Intel drones and sensors make cricket debut

The tech company, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of semiconductor chips, says it wants to transform how cricket is experienced by both fans and players. Its Falcon 8 Drone captures high definition and infrared images of pitches, allowing for better analysis. According to the company, visual data on wicket conditions such as grass cover, grass health and topology will be used to produce daily reports, which commentators will have access to during broadcasts.

Elsewhere, several players throughout the tournament will be using a new sensor that can be mounted on any cricket bat. Manufactured by Speculur and employing Intel’s Curie technology, the sensor will generate data for every stroke played, capturing information on back-lift, bat speed and follow-through. It is also planned to make the technology available to the public in Australia, India, the UK and the US later this year.