How sensor technology aims to reduce the risk of accidents while skiing

Research How sensor technology aims to reduce the risk of accidents while skiing

2023-01-16 Source: Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft 1 min Reading Time

Skiing enthusiasts want to make the most of the few days of skiing holiday each year. Many overestimate their abilities and make serious mistakes due to exhaustion. Sensors are intended to prevent this.

Salzburg Research, in collaboration with the University of Salzburg and the ski equipment manufacturer Atomic, is developing smart skiing equipment.(Image: Atomic Austria GmbH) — Salzburg Research, in collaboration with the University of Salzburg and the ski equipment manufacturer Atomic, is developing smart skiing equipment.
(Image: Atomic Austria GmbH)

Researchers have taken initial steps to equip ski equipment with sensors. According to a statement from the Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft, smart sports equipment should be able to recognize an exhausted skier and recommend a break in time. The goal is smart textiles with integrated sensors that can provide targeted feedback to the user, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Exhaustion is something very individual and can manifest differently from person to person. The researchers have spent a lot of time on ski slopes collecting data with the help of test subjects. They have considered training science, biomechanical, and sport psychological factors. Sensors, data analysis, and artificial intelligence are intended to generate automatic feedback for the skier based on these findings.

Atomic relies on smart support systems that provide skiers with information on pressure distribution, weight distribution and body posture via sensor contacts

Atomic is focusing on smart support systems that provide skiers with information about pressure distribution, weight distribution, and body posture through sensor contacts. The researchers are still facing important questions that have not been resolved, such as how sensors can best be integrated into the equipment or whether it is even possible to determine the properties of the ski using sensor technology. This could help better estimate when the equipment needs servicing in the future.

"This also includes how the ski can communicate its recommendations to the skier," says data specialist Stefan Kranzinger from Salzburg Research. "To achieve this, we are working on innovative interaction concepts in the competence center that are intended to pass on real-time feedback from the ski to the skier."

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