It might look like a simple scarf, but tech giant Cisco has created “The Connected Scarf” which will be able to track the emotions of the players wearing it during the game.
According to a Reuters report, the scarf “records a number of physical measures, including heart rate, body temperature and emotions that provide information on how fans are feeling at different times.”
“In our work with City over the past few years, we’ve been looking for ways to connect fans with the sports they love, on another level,” said Ashley Marusak, Director of Global Sports Marketing for Cisco.
“Connected Scarf is an exciting project to try together, as we seek to better understand and measure the highs and lows of football’s popularity and how the game affects fans not only emotionally, but also ‘ lines.”
A Man City fan with a scarf on during a UEFA Champions League Group A match against Villarreal in 2011.
Ryan Shaw, Creative Director of Octagon UK, one of the project’s partners with Cisco, said that “The Connected Scarf” will help them understand the way fans of emotions live within 90 minutes.
“Building this technology from the ground up has been an incredible journey, and we’re really excited about what this scarf can teach us about the fans and team culture,” he said.
A Manchester City fan holds a scarf before the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium vs Everton
Production and technology company Unit9 also helped spearhead the project which will be passed on to limited fans as they develop more. Some of the t-shirts will be available for City Football Group New York City FC, the Premier League champions that play in the Major Soccer League.
Nuria Tarré, Chief Marketing & The Supporter Experience Officer, City Football Club, released a statement to ManCity.com
“At Manchester City, we continue to explore the latest ways to deliver a high-quality fan experience and bring them closer to the team. The Scarf is a unique item that football fans around the world can the width they have and wear it to show their love and support. The latest event with Cisco is a fresh, new way to bring fans together and connect with them in a new and exciting way.”
The reaction was mixed on Twitter, but it prompted one fan to remember what he saw with a scarf he bought in 1970.
“It’s a great idea and it gives us a special connection with the fans,” City defender Aymeric Laporte said in a statement after the official announcement.
Jack Grealish was also impressed by what the scarlet would follow during the games.
“I think it’s amazing how you can get data based on how the fans feel during the games”
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