Robot players, first person cameras and sensory simulation - it's the future of football

Back to the Future: What will football be like in 50 years

The future's bright for football fans, that's if you're a fan of flying android cameras and robot players that you can control with your own body

 

If you thought that goal-line technology in football was as advanced as the game could get, well imagine being able to remotely control your own android footballer.

Because, if you are able to wait about half a century, this unimaginable scenario could actually become a reality.

This is according to HTC and Futurizon's 'Future of Football' report which predicts how technology will change the sport over the next 50 years.

While being able to control your own android won't be a possibility any time soon, there are big changes which are forecast to happen by as soon as 2020.

The time-line below predicts what technological advancements could take place...
 

2020 – Cameras routinely embedded in player kits:

The fabrics of players' kits will have video capability and be better at keeping players comfortable.
 

2025 – Ball impact sensors and accelerometers in football boots:

Would be used to measure every step and also measure the strength and angle of impact with the ball, or another player's leg. Could be used to help referees to decide if a player was guilty of a foul.
 

2025 – Referees get augmented reality tools:

Using active contact lenses, referees should ideally be able to see the action from any angle and be able to zoom in and out at will.
 

2030 – Insect-like robots carry tiny cameras and follow players:

Miniature cameras will be carried by flying insect-sized robots that follow players around to cover there every move.
 

2035 – Real-time player and physiological data broadcast to coach:

Players could wear an electronic tattoo layer that acts as to relay sensory and physiological data to coach, as well as providing a video display platform.
 

2040 – Robot football starts to become commonplace:

Human-like robots, or androids, will be able to play football to some degree but won't be very advanced.
 

2045 – Full strike and strategy simulation used in training:

Computer simulation of potential strikes could be used as a tool while a coach discusses strategy and technique with a player.
 

2050 – Full sensory simulation lets fans feel as if they were playing:

Using the full sensory data, simulated by the electronic tattoo layer worn by players, fans could pretend to be that player, feeling what they feel.
 

2055 – Virtual leagues with online gamers competing in ‘real’ games:

Using active skin and full immersible displays, people would feel like actual players. Teams of gamers would compete in virtual leagues and some teams could reach very high performance levels if they play together regularly.
 

2060 – Fans can remotely inhabit android players as if it’s them:

Older or less-able people would be able to join in football via an android, and feel as if they were playing themselves.

Seriously how would Football looks like in the next 50yrs

Can this development really happen