Four students at the University of California San Diego have created a computer-equipped surfboard in an attempt to design the ultimate surfboard. The surfboard is equipped with an on-board computer and eight velocity sensors, which transfer data to an onshore laptop.
The purpose of the computer-equipped surfboard is to find out the optimal amount of bend with which a surfboard should be designed. The data from this project could very well one day lead to the “perfect” surfboard.
What's Driving This Trend
- Smart Surfboards
- The development of computerized surfboards equipped with on-board computers and velocity sensors provides surfers with the ultimate surfing experience and an opportunity for companies to design personalized surfaces.
- Emerging Sports Technology
- The design of computer-equipped surfboards highlights innovation opportunities in the field of emerging sports technologies that can be used to improve equipment and performance.
- Data-driven Design
- The use of velocity sensors and computer analytics in making a perfect surfboard are examples of how data-driven design can be applied to design other equipment in different industries.
Who This Affects Most
- Surfing
- The development of computerized surfboards has great potential to revolutionize the surfing industry, providing a competitive edge to surfboard manufacturers and surfers with real-time performance analysis.
- Sports Equipment
- The trend towards developing computerized surfboards provides opportunities for the sports equipment industry to incorporate technology into their products, which can be extended to other sports equipment as well.
- Data Analytics
- The use of on-board computers and velocity sensors in surfboard design presents an opportunity to apply data analytics to other industries where intricate design and performance assessment is required.
