Buzz
This year's World Cup in Qatar marks several unprecedented milestones: the first time Arab nations host the event, the first mid-season tournament in Europe, and all 8 venues situated within a one-hour drive, making Qatar 2022 the geographically smallest World Cup to date.In addition to these highlights, we are set to encounter a World Cup featuring a myriad of new technologies—AI-operated offside detection, innovative advancements in the official match ball, modular stadiums, and more. Below, we compile the novel technologies deployed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Revolutionary Cooling Technology - Pioneering Outdoor Stadiums with Air Conditioning
Seven out of the eight stadiums used for WC2022 will feature state-of-the-art cooling technology, a revolutionary approach ensuring a consistently cool atmosphere inside the stadiums. The temperature within the venues will be maintained at an optimal level for both players and fans alike.
A nearby energy center will house a chilled water system, which will be piped to the designated cooling areas. Upon reaching the destination, a device will propel cool air into the playing area and seating sections for the audience.
The mechanism of this technology can be understood simply as a colossal water cooling system. This marks the first instance of such technology being applied at a WC, transforming the stadiums serving the WC in Qatar into the first outdoor stadiums equipped with 'air conditioning.'Modular Stadium Technology
Stadium 974 might only exist until the end of the WC; the organizing unit has constructed this stadium on a foundation entirely capable of assembly and disassembly.
Utilizing shipping containers and modular steel frames, Stadium 974 boasts a unique design while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reduced material usage compared to traditional stadiums.
Stadium 974 is hailed as the first disassembleable stadium used in a WC in history. This stadium will host 7 matches, including the Round of 16.Official Ball Technology
Al Rihla - the official ball used in WC2022, manufactured by Adidas, is a creatively designed ball incorporating numerous modern technological systems.
In the local language (Arabic), Al Rihla means 'The Journey,' and the ball's pattern is inspired by the host country's flag, reflecting the local architectural essence.
According to Adidas, Al Rihla is the fastest-flying ball to date, featuring CRT-Core technology for enhanced stability and Speed Shell for increased speed while in the air.
Additionally, the ball is equipped with the Adidas Suspension System at its core, featuring motion sensors. This system will relay real-time data to the VAR team and Fifa's new Semi-automated Offside Technology, an AI-driven offside detection innovation.
Mytour has had hands-on experience with this ball; check out mod Long's article for more details.Semi-automated Offside Technology
VAR sometimes delays our goal celebrations by a beat, making us hold our breath for 3-4 minutes as we wait for the referee to check if there's an offside. Goals need to be celebrated immediately, they must explode.
Recognizing this issue, Fifa has introduced new offside detection technology, assisted by AI. The result of offside or not will be announced almost instantly, promising explosive goal celebrations at this year's WC.
A hardware system beneath the cameras and observation sensors on the field will monitor players, identifying 29 crucial positions on their bodies at a frequency of 50 frames/second. Combined with hardware on the ball to gather position and movement data, AI and software will integrate all parameters to determine whether a player is offside or not.
Mod @PW has provided a detailed introduction to this technology; feel free to check it out 
