From business to personal life, standards play a key role in life around us — and bringing together people across continents to enjoy the world’s largest sporting competition is no exception.The world’s attention has turned to Brazil for the next four weeks as the 2014 World Cup Brazil™ takes place. More than half of the world’s population watched the tournament in 2010, making this tournament a truly global event. This year, a number of technological advancements will enhance the experience this year for athletes and fans alike. The infographic below, created by IEEE Standards Association, highlights how several innovations in technology, many of which are built upon open standards, are impacting the World Cup in 2014.
- Thanks to Dr. Miguel Nocolelis and other pioneering neuroscientists, mind-controlled exoskeletons and prosthetics are no longer just a work of science fiction. The exoskeleton worn at the World Cup utilizes sensors contained in a 3-D printed headpiece that monitor brain waves, providing feedback to a computer in a battery-powered hydraulic suit that controls movement. Beyond the World Cup demonstration, such strides in eHealth, robotics and sensors will play a significant future role in the lives of disabled persons around the globe.
- There should now be no question as to whether a goal should be counted or not. Sophisticated camera and sensors now record vibration and optical data each time a ball crosses the line, delivering signals to game officials via smart watch for instant evaluation. This will not only help ensure more accurate calls — It may even reduce stadium brawls!
- Preparing a stadium’s network to support an estimated 12.6 terabytes of data is not for the faint of heart. Using Wi-Fi technology (IEEE Standard 802.11), MAC addresses, network switches and streaming video, fans in the stadium will be able to share every heart-pounding moment of the game with friends, family and the world.
Standards empower the devices, networks and communications protocols that support life as we know it. Standards development organizations like IEEE rally participants around the world from a diverse array of cultures, sectors and industries for collaboration and development of new standards improve the way people live, work and communicate.
The OpenStand Principles have driven the rapid innovation and technological advancements over the past two decades. OpenStand advocates believe open standards form the building blocks for innovation, streamlining development, facilitating interoperability, and improving accessibility to new technology – supporting innovation to build a better world.
We hope you will show your support for a open innovation by becoming an advocate for open development and open standards. We invite you to Stand With Us!