AI and VR are undoubtedly two of the most cutting-edge technologies available for sports training.
Sports AI Virtual Assistant (SAIVA) cleverly combines the two to create a virtual assistant platform tailored for every level of football – amateur, academy, and professional alike.
In 2018, two sister companies – Turing AI Cultures GmbH and AI Brain Inc. – organised a team of specialists in artificial intelligence, game design, and sports psychology.
These specialists delivered on SAIVA’s focus objective of developing innovative solutions for football.
The company’s mission is to revolutionise the sports tech industry by delivering a product that integrates both VR and AI into everyday training.
The technology behind SAIVA’s product stimulates cognitive and motor functions, enabling athletes to expand on their knowledge of the game and improve their overall performance.
SAIVA’s key features
SAIVA’s main features are pre- and post-match analysis, immersive education modules, and an AI-driven coaching assistant.
Pre- and post-match analysis tool
Through this feature, SAIVA allows players to comprehensively analyse their games by reproducing actual gameplay in VR.
This virtual recreation of their game is derived from scouting feed videos or the team’s tracking data.
Once the footage or data has been simulated in a VR world, users may then step into the perspective of any player on the field.
The ability to do this allows players to significantly improve their decision-making skills and develop a better understanding of how to analyse the game.
The pre- and post-match analysis tool also allows for collaborative sessions, accommodating up to 10 users simultaneously.
Collaborative sessions enable coaches and players to engage in group-based learning where tactical scenes can be analysed within a more dynamic and interactive training environment.
The final dimension of the pre- and post-match feature is the tactical drawing tools.
3D annotation tools, including passing lines, dribbling lines, offside lines, arrows, and player highlights, allow users to effortlessly convey ideas.
Additionally, the ability to measure distances with these tools enhances analysis of pitch control and spatial awareness.
Immersive education modules
These modules provide a state-of-the-art learning program for coaches and educators.
The program is composed of three expertly designed modules that encompass key principles, dynamic exercises, and engaging gameplay.
The first module establishes the foundational knowledge required for a complete understanding of exercises and the sport itself.
Users are introduced to 18 fundamental principles, covering everything from constructing an impenetrable defence to breaking through opposition lines and executing swift transitions.
The second module introduces coaches to drills and how to effectively apply them to ensure optimal player development.
The combined learnings from modules one and two unlock the potential for coaches to effectively facilitate the growth of their players and guide the team with greater precision.
The third module allows users to take charge of an 11-a-side game where they navigate through various in-game scenarios.
The goal of this module is to make strategic changes, identify spaces, and develop tactics to ensure victory.
These three modules are perfect for coaches who are seeking to elevate their expertise and strengthen their knowledge of the intricacies of football.
AI-driven coach assistant
This feature transforms coaching by auto-generating key metrics and offering insights from live gameplay situations.
The coaching assistant provides actionable recommendations, ranging from passing choices, team formations, and roster modifications.
All recommendations are tailored to real-time pitch conditions, allowing coaches to make accurate changes and optimise the performance of their team.
Implications for Australian football
Given the cutting-edge technology powering SAIVA’s product, there is immense potential for it to elevate football in Australia at all levels.
The powerful combination of immersive VR training and AI-driven analysis could be exactly what Australian coaches and players need to overcome training barriers and elevate their game.
High-level training equipment is often inaccessible due to geographical and financial barriers.
SAIVO addresses this issue by providing a relatively affordable and compact product that still delivers elite-level education and performance analysis.
