Technology – automation, artificial intelligence, sensors, etc. – improves our lives in many ways. It makes work easier and safer for workers. It makes production faster, more consistent, and more profitable for manufacturers. Technology even makes the mundane – paying bills, grocery shopping, and tracking phone calls – easier and more convenient.
Some would argue that technology doesn’t improve everything, though. Sports purists are adamant that technology and sports are two things that shouldn’t mix. Still, there’s no denying that coaches, scouts, club owners, and fans are already taking advantage of what technology can do for sports.
Technology and sports
There’s almost always some push back from fans, coaches, players, or all of the above any time that a sports organization proposes adding a new form of technology. There are, however, exceptions. We don’t mind artificial intelligence and technology when it comes to selling tickets, making business decisions, training athletes, analyzing statistics, scouting recruits, and establishing a game plan for upcoming opponents. This is just good business.
But when it comes to instant replay, play review, adding sensors, implementing video assisted refereeing, or anything else that could affect the game itself, there are people who reject the use of additional technology. The basis of the argument almost always comes down to, “It will change the game”.
Technology changes the game
When it comes to technology and sports, it’s okay to resist change. Athletic competitions are meant to showcase human ability rather than technological advancements. And while we have the technology to replace the plate umpire in a baseball game with sensors and cameras – and calls would be far more accurate and consistent – this would hurt the sport.
Technology has changed and improved manufacturing in the same way that technology can completely change the identity of a sport. You know this from personal experience if you run an Indramat motion control system. Industrial machines are what make modern manufacturing possible. These machines need maintenance from time to time, though. Call 479-422-0390 for repair or service for your Indramat drives, controls, servos, and any of your Indramat products.