The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was one of the most technologically advanced World Cup finals. The official ball of the competition, The Voyage, is a clear example of this as it is the first in history to require charging. In short, it is a smart ball with two sensors inside called UWB and IMU.
The first sensor is designed to measure the precise location of the ball in relation to the field at all times. The information collected by this sensor is sent in real-time so that the refereeing body can automatically know if the ball has left the field of play.
The second sensor is a self-contained sensor that measures the speed, direction, and forces applied to the ball. As with the other sensor, this information is also sent in real-time to the game officials in the VAR room. Some experts say that the combined use of both sensors allows the ball to be tracked up to 500 times per second and report the controlling player.
This is why all the balls to be used during the matches must be pre-charged so that the sensors inside can function properly during the matches and therefore send the data discovered by their sensors.
Despite all these tools inside, competitive football players in the FIFA World Cup said it is one of the lightest balls they have had the opportunity to play with.
England player Kieran Trippier said, “If you kick the ball hard and apply a lot of power, it will fly far.”
