Man from South Wales develops sensor which could change how wheelchair rugby is played
Joseph Jones has invented new technology to detect and track wheelchair rugby players on the court without the need for expensive tracking cameras and sensors
Joseph Jones, from South Wales, has invented a new area of technology which helps to detect and track wheelchair rugby players on the court without the need for expensive tracking cameras and sensor.
He says the main goal is to improve the understanding of the sport on the spectator side (which he hopes will lead to more people getting involved in the sport) and make communication easier on the coaching side.
Joseph was inspired by his dad, an ex-paralympian who competed in the Seoul, Atlanta, and Sydney games in 1988, 1996 and 2000, the latter two in wheelchair rugby.
He worked on the idea with the GB wheelchair rugby squad as well as the team his dad (Keith Jones).
He is hoping to get his technology included in the next Paralympics.
Joseph said: “The main goal is to improve the understanding of the sport on the spectator side of things (which will hopefully lead to more people getting involved in the sport as more volunteers are desperately needed) and making communication easier on the coaching side of things.
"I wanted to design for Paralympic sport and, more specifically, wheelchair rugby because my dad is an ex-Paralympian, he competed in the Seoul, Atlanta, and Sydney games in 1988, 1996 and 2000, the latter two in wheelchair rugby.
"I had my first birthday in Australia because of this! He still coaches today so I grew up my whole life around the sport and seeing the positive impact it has on people's lives.
"My mum also worked as an occupational therapist with people with spinal injuries for her whole life and along with my dad they travelled around Europe to demo the sport in different countries so it could become a Paralympic sport.
So, I wanted to make something for the sport that has been a big part of both of their lives.”