A German company called ASB GlassFloor makes, well, guess. They got their start making glass floors specifically for squash courts; now they’ve expanded into making glass floors with millions of LEDs beneath the glass, turning the floor into a gigantic display.
The company has been contracted to install one of these floor-screens at Germany’s BMW Park arena, the home of basketball team FC Bayern.
“The ASB GlassFloor offers a revolutionary visual experience. Unprecedented animations will be showcased, particularly during player introductions, halftime shows, and game breaks. Traditional logo placement will be replaced by emotional video messages and relevant game data will be displayed directly on the court, significantly enhancing the fan experience.”
Obviously they’re using safety glass. The company says that “The elastic surface is gentler on joints, and ceramic dots etched into the glass provide excellent grip and prevent friction burns.”
Interestingly, this court-width floor screen might make the most impact when there are no fans in the stadium. The company says it will be used as a hi-tech training aid:
“The ASB GlassFloor allows for the integration of real-time position data into the court. Player positions are accurately captured and visualised, enabling up new training approaches. Athletes can monitor their running speed live and receive optimal passing options or the best defensive positions during practice games through AI. This immediate feedback significantly enhances training by providing insights on the court rather than waiting for feedback sessions with the coach after practice.”
I admit I did not see this technology as paving the way for AI coaches.
