Imagine the excitement of being at a live sports match, cheering on your favorite team as they battle it out on the field. For most sports fans, this experience is unparalleled, filled with adrenaline and camaraderie. However, for individuals who are blind or have low vision, this thrill is often accompanied by a sense of disconnection, as they rely on others to describe the action unfolding before them. Enter OneCourt, a trailblazing company that has developed a groundbreaking tactile device, revolutionizing the way blind and visually impaired fans can experience live sports.
This innovative device, known as a haptic display, is a rectangular box-like contraption that rests comfortably on the user’s lap. But don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you—this device is a game-changer in every sense of the word. With the ability to mimic the game field or court, the haptic display translates plays into vibrations that users can feel with their fingertips in real-time.
“The beauty of our device lies in its simplicity yet profound impact,” explains the developers at OneCourt. “As the ball moves across the field, you will feel the vibrations on the device shifting accordingly. Different aspects of the game are conveyed through unique vibration patterns, allowing users to immerse themselves in the live action like never before.”
Currently, OneCourt’s haptic device supports basketball, football, and baseball games, with a recent debut at the MLB’s 2024 All-Star Weekend. But how does this technological marvel actually work? According to OneCourt, the device utilizes ball and player positional data tracked at the league level, translating this information into a haptic language that manifests as a series of discernible vibrations on the device’s surface. To complement this tactile experience, users can also tune into an audio feed and check the score with a convenient status button.
One of the most exciting developments for OneCourt came when the Portland TrailBlazers became the first NBA team to partner with the company, offering the device to blind and visually impaired fans at home games at no extra cost. Paralympian Anthony S. Ferraro, who is blind, had the opportunity to test the device firsthand and was thrilled by the newfound insights it provided. “This was a life-changing experience,” Ferraro shared. “I can’t wait for devices like this to become a standard across all sports and events. One step at a time, one court at a time!”
While the device is undeniably beneficial for users following a game from home or a bar, its true magic shines during in-stadium events. Here, fans can not only witness the live game unfolding before them but also feel the collective energy of fellow sports enthusiasts, creating an immersive and inclusive experience that was once unimaginable.
Looking ahead, OneCourt is already hard at work developing versions of their haptic device for soccer and hockey, with plans to expand its availability to more stadiums. To stay updated on their progress and learn more about this groundbreaking technology, visit OneCourt’s website and follow them on Instagram. OneCourt is not just changing the game—it’s revolutionizing the way we experience sports, one vibration at a time.
