How this AI spin-out will transform sports performance

A new spin-out company from the University of Bath will change the way athletes train and perform, using cutting-edge artificial intelligence.


In the ever-evolving world of sports technology, a new player has entered the field. Forceteck, a spin-out from the university, has secured £250,000 from investors and is already working with top rugby and football teams to revolutionise performance on the field.

Forceteck uses physics-based-AI to create video footage of athletes in action - no lab setup or fancy equipment required, just a regular video. The AI tracks movements and calculates key forces like collision impact and ground reaction, essential for athletes in sports like rugby, football, and basketball.

Coaches can use Forceteck to gain insights into how technique and power affect performance. The platform allows them to run realistic simulations to see what happens with different training programs. This means they can test strategies and adapt to each player’s unique needs, improving both individual and team performance.

Co-founder and CEO Dr Dario Cazzola from the Department for Health said:

Coaches often depend on gym tests and their instincts to gauge player readiness, but gym results don’t always match how players perform on the field. Current on-field analysis is slow, costly, and complicated. What we really need is better data, clearer insights, and a system that easily fits into regular routines. Forceteck’s analysis and simulation solutions deliver exactly that.

Pilot trials are already taking place with professional rugby and football teams in the UK. The European Space Agency (ESA) has also become the first paying customer. Dr Cazzola added:

Astronauts are like high-performance athletes. In space, they lose muscle mass and bone density. While professional teams monitor the player performance on the pitch, space agencies will be monitoring astronauts performance in space!

The Forceteck team is also developing a sports entertainment offering. The concept is that Forceteck could provide augmented punditry for events like the NFL and NBA during half-time. Cazzola said:

Imagine watching half-time analysis in the studio. The pundits could play a Forceteck video or a simulation of a tackle-you’d be able to see the forces and movements in detail. It would give new in-depth insights.

The University of Bath works with businesses, researchers, and students to enable new ideas and innovation. Our facilities, expertise, programmes and research creates jobs and supports growth for Bath and North East Somerset, the South West, and the UK. Find out about our Innovation with Impact.