The 5G Volley Reality Experience & Analytics Live (5VREAL) project is a technological breakthrough in sports that combines artificial intelligence, 5G, and video analytics systems to enhance technical match analysis and enhance viewer engagement. represents.
5VREAL was conceived and implemented by a partnership of companies and research institutions, including Free University of Bozenbolzano, EMG/Gravity Media Italy, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Small Pixels, and Vodafone Italy.
The main objective of this project, which focuses on volleyball and is funded by the Italian Ministry of Industry and Manufacturing (MIMIT), is to enable advanced technical analysis and use affordable non-normal data to to be able to measure ball speed, position, trajectory, and rhythm of the game. – Broadcast-grade technology, such as smartphones and non-professional cameras, makes it accessible to the minor leagues. Integrate advanced graphics to enrich your TV broadcasts and provide viewers with compelling real-time data for an enhanced TV experience and fan engagement. The aim is to achieve these goals through a high-speed, high-performance, non-invasive technology infrastructure.
Adopted technology
A number of technologies are being employed to make this possible, including Vodafone’s 5G network. EMG / Gravity Media Edge computing infrastructure in Italy. Advanced AI algorithms developed by Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Bruno Kessler Foundation, and Small Pixels. Enables upstream video enhancement through proprietary AI and pre-trained neural networks. A video analysis system based on low-frequency video streams can track the 3D position of the ball despite the blurring and visual artifacts typical of non-professional recording equipment.
This benefits both coaches and spectators, giving them real-time access to analytical data to optimize tactics and gameplay without the need for expensive equipment. Augmented reality and advanced information displays during matches can enhance immersion.
5VREAL was recently unveiled at an event for the women’s volleyball team Trentino Volley at the Trentino Sports Hall. This demonstrated the project’s potential in sports analytics and entertainment, paving the way for future implementation in volleyball and other sports.
The initial idea came from 5VREAL Science Leader Ottavio Crivaro’s technical expertise in the field of sports, conversations with top coaches, and knowledge of Small Pixels’ software solutions. These solutions are based on artificial intelligence and pre-trained neural networks that eliminate common video artifacts such as compression, noise, and blurring, and provide sharp images where the trajectory of the ball is clearly visible.
Crivallo explains: “Current statistics applied to volleyball provide a snapshot of the past. They allow for the analysis of events and provide basic insight into what has already happened, such as the average number of attacks, spikes, receptions and serves. We can evaluate the factors, but we cannot grasp the causal relationships.”
Volleyball is characterized by intense rhythms, and although sophisticated statistical tools already exist, one fundamental element, time, is often not accurately measurable.
“Temporal analysis was the distinguishing factor that started our experiment,” said Crivallo. Volleyball is a synchronous game, and it is important to accurately measure every tenth of a second between player movements and ball transitions. It’s all about rhythm. The Ministry of Innovation and Made in Italy recognized the strategic value of this project and approved and provided funding to start the experiment. ”
The technology behind the project
The cooperation with EMG / Gravity Media Italy will enable the integration of rich real-time data into the broadcast signal. For example, display the speed of the ball being served on the screen during a match, giving you instant access to the processed data.
The core of the system is an algorithm developed by the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and the Bruno Kessler Foundation. These algorithms process the data in real-time and are hosted in EMG/Gravity Media Italy’s data center in Cologno Monzese, where it is analyzed and made available.
Vodafone’s media production platform will manage the integration with augmented reality, while EMG/Gravity Media Italy will oversee the delivery of the enriched content, ensuring an innovative experience for both viewers and broadcasters.
strategic support
Real-time measurement projects in volleyball extend beyond viewer engagement and provide significant value to coaches and technical teams. Core data revolves around time, an element that enables rhythm analysis, a fundamental parameter for predicting and understanding the flow of matches and training sessions.
Unlike traditional statistics such as number of spikes or points scored on serve, this technology provides a more dynamic and detailed analysis of team behavior during matches and training sessions. Coaches can:
Analyze the timing and rhythm of key actions performed by your team and your opponents. Provide more accurate instructions to players based on improved predictions of the opposing team’s strategy. Assess whether players are adhering to predefined tactics and timing or if strategic adjustments are needed. Compare the differences between training and match performance and identify areas for improvement.
This data is useful for both real-time during matches and post-match analysis, and represents a significant evolution from traditional metrics.
Technology under development
It is important to note that despite the promising results, this project is still in the experimental stage. The team says all the technology needed for implementation is already in place, but a commercialization model and industry leaders have not yet been identified.
“This project has proven to be implementable, but it is not yet a market-ready product,” explains Crivallo. Current efforts are focused on refining the technology and evaluating potential distribution models in order to turn this innovation into a concrete solution for the sports world, not just volleyball.
