Buddy Ball -
CowboyIndian - 01-14-2017
While semi-watching Pats/Texans I just saw Buddy T and the Dartmouth tackling robot out of the corner of my eye. Catch line: The Future of Football
Anybody see the whole thing to explain.
Re: Buddy Ball -
Bruce Wang - 01-14-2017
The NFL trying to address a possible explanation for the drop in ratings: the public's concern about concussions.
Re: Buddy Ball -
Hurlburt88 - 01-15-2017
I think that is an excerpt from a story that ran almost 2 years ago now, and we had some discussion on this board. Definitely interesting to see the NFL resurrect this story as part of their PR
Re: Buddy Ball -
stupac2 - 01-15-2017
(01-14-2017, 08:52 PM)CowboyIndian link Wrote:While semi-watching Pats/Texans I just saw Buddy T and the Dartmouth tackling robot out of the corner of my eye. Catch line: The Future of Football
Anybody see the whole thing to explain.
Are you familiar with the tackling robot story? If you aren't, some guys at Dartmouth created a robot that can be programmed to run routes, that defenders can get practice tackling on. It helps them get better form while close to eliminating the chance for injury to anyone. IIRC the Ivy League has banned contact in practice, so this helps them pretty significantly.
The NFL is touting it because it's an Ivy League football team using technology to help reduce injuries, it's good PR for football in general.
Re: Buddy Ball -
CowboyIndian - 01-15-2017
(01-15-2017, 09:20 AM)stupac2 link Wrote:Are you familiar with the tackling robot story?
My post wasn't clear. Yes, I'm very aware of the Dartmouth tackling robot but I was just wondering how the NFL was making hay out of it, since I don't think any NFL team has (at least publicly) endorsed it or employed it for their players. The spot also included a soundbite from Buddy endorsing its use, which I cynically assume is good PR and recruiting bait for the Big Green (formerly Indians).
Re: Buddy Ball -
DC 86 - 01-15-2017
(01-15-2017, 11:34 AM)CowboyIndian link Wrote:I'm very aware of the Dartmouth tackling robot but I was just wondering how the NFL was making hay out of it, since I don't think any NFL team has (at least publicly) endorsed it or employed it for their players.
The Steelers used the Dartmouth tackling robot during their OTAs last season:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap3000000664182/Steelers-experimenting-with-robot-tackling-dummies
This ESPN article from last July states that the Ravens and Rams also had placed orders for the devices.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17098980/robots-invading-nfl-training-camps