Will 3D tech change sports forever?

Fox News - Apr 17th, 2025
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The sports industry is undergoing a technological transformation with the introduction of 3D digital twin technology. Companies like Arcturus are at the forefront of this innovation, using cameras placed around baseball stadiums to create hyperrealistic digital replicas of live games. This technology offers fans an unprecedented level of immersion, allowing them to experience games from any angle and access detailed statistics in real time. The initial application of this technology is available for postgame highlights, with real-time viewing expected to be available in the near future.

Beyond enhancing the fan experience, 3D digital twins are revolutionizing how teams train and strategize. By creating virtual replicas of players and scenarios, teams can simulate games to optimize performance and prevent injuries. This technology also extends to stadium management, where digital twins are used for optimizing seating arrangements and showcasing branding opportunities. Despite some technical challenges and adaptation hurdles, experts believe that 3D digital twins represent the future of sports, promising to redefine both fan engagement and athletic performance.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of 3D digital twin technology in sports, highlighting its transformative impact on fan engagement, player training, and stadium management. Its strengths lie in its clear explanations and timely relevance, capturing the reader's interest in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. However, the article could benefit from greater source transparency and a more balanced exploration of potential drawbacks and ethical considerations. While it effectively conveys the excitement surrounding this emerging technology, a deeper dive into industry challenges and a more diverse range of expert opinions would enhance its credibility and impact.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The article provides a detailed and largely accurate depiction of the current state and potential future of 3D digital twin technology in sports. It accurately describes the use of cameras around stadiums to capture real-time action and create digital replicas, a practice supported by industry standards and current implementations in Major League Baseball (MLB). The claim that this technology enhances fan engagement through immersive experiences and detailed statistics is well-supported by existing applications, such as MLB's live 3D gamecasts. However, the article could benefit from more specific examples or data to support its claims about the timeline for real-time viewing becoming mainstream, as this remains an area of ongoing development.

7
Balance

The article presents a predominantly positive view of 3D digital twin technology, highlighting its transformative potential for fan engagement, player training, and stadium management. While it briefly mentions technical glitches and user adaptation challenges, these are downplayed compared to the optimistic portrayal of future advancements. The article could achieve greater balance by exploring potential drawbacks or limitations of the technology, such as privacy concerns or the impact on traditional sports viewing experiences.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to explain complex technological concepts, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively outlines the various applications of 3D digital twin technology in sports, providing a logical flow from fan engagement to player training and stadium management. However, the inclusion of promotional content, such as links to newsletters and other unrelated topics, slightly detracts from the main narrative and could be streamlined for better focus.

6
Source quality

The article references Arcturus and MLB as key players in the development and implementation of 3D digital twin technology, which lends credibility to its claims. However, it lacks direct citations or quotes from industry experts or academic sources, which would enhance its reliability. Including a broader range of sources, such as independent analysts or research studies, could provide a more comprehensive view of the topic and mitigate any potential bias from relying too heavily on industry insiders.

5
Transparency

The article does not provide detailed information on its sources or the methodology behind the claims made about the technology's capabilities and future potential. While it mentions companies like Arcturus and MLB, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations that may influence the reporting. Greater transparency regarding the basis for claims and the sources of information would improve the article's credibility and help readers assess the validity of the content.

Sources

  1. https://www.sportspro.com/insights/features/digital-twins-sport-ai-analytics-oneplan-paris-2024-venues-metaverse-performance/
  2. https://digitaltwinproject.eu/digital-twins-and-sport-the-technological-revolution-in-sports-performance/
  3. https://www.foxnews.com/tech/3d-tech-change-sports-forever
  4. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/24/12741
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10728725/