Problem / Objective:

The popularity of cricket has increased very rapidly in recent times, and as a result, innovative methods for improving batting techniques arose. This has also led to a need for data-driven assistance for players to assess the quality of their game.

Solution / Approach:

Spektacom (a start-up in Bangalore) came up with the idea of using non-intrusive sensor technology on the cricket bats to harness and power the convergence of data from the sticker of power bats, with insights-driven from cloud-powered data analytics, machine learning, and AI. The objective is to bring sports closer to fans through interesting ways of engagement using real-time sports analytics. This unique non-intrusive sensor platform (weighs less than 5 grams) is fixed behind a bat as a sticker to measure the quality, speed, twist, and swing of a bat and the power transferred from the ball to bat at impact. These parameters are used to compute the quality of a shot and help professional as well as amateur players and coaches to improve performance with data-driven feedback.

The data from the power bats are analyzed with powerful AI models developed in Microsoft Azure and transferred to the edge for providing continuous feedback to the player. 

The sticker communicates using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) with an edge device called Stump Box that is hidden behind the wicket. The data from the Stump Box is transferred and analyzed in Azure and shot characteristics are provided to broadcasters in real-time.

To ensure secure communication between the bat, edge device and Microsoft Azure, Stump Box has been powered by Microsoft Azure Sphere based hardware platform. The smart bat pairs with Spektacom mobile app to transfer and analyze sticker data in Azure. 

Any wireless charger can be used to recharge the AI stickers. It takes about 90 minutes to charge, and one round of charge lasts for 48 hours.

Currently, only three main data points are being collected, which are speed and twist of the bat’s impact with the ball and the quality of the shot. When the ball contacts the bat, the rate is recorded, this is the speed at which the bat swings when it hits the ball. A positive or negative parameter of the twist is also recorded that shows how much the bat twists in the Y-axis perpendicular to the ground. 

Shot quality is the proximity of the point of contact of the ball with the bat’s sweet spot calculated in percentage. 

Finally, all these three parameters are weighed to calculate a final score called Power Speks. 

Impact / Implementation:

Spektacom has already debuted the technology at the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), and most batsmen have reported positive feedback on the product. Furthermore, the company assures that this technology will enhance fan experience and engagement with the sport and will also help coaches to provide more intensely focused guidance to players.