Interactive LED Floor Revolutionizes Basketball Courts
▼ Summary
– The author experienced ASB GlassFloor’s LED basketball court in Orlando, where real-time drill diagrams appeared underfoot via an iPad-controlled system.
– ASB GlassFloor’s technology allows instant customization of court designs and drill templates, with future plans for animated, interactive diagrams.
– NBA teams have tested the court, with positive feedback on features like the Whiteboard and Playbook tools, including a viral Toronto Raptors visit.
– Beyond visuals, the floor’s sensor integration enables player tracking, health monitoring, and advanced game data analysis.
– ASB GlassFloor originated in 1965 as a German drywall company and entered sports by innovating squash court materials in the 1970s.
Stepping onto a revolutionary basketball court in Orlando, Florida, I immediately noticed something extraordinary. Instead of traditional hardwood, the surface beneath my LeBron 15 sneakers was alive with dynamic LED visuals. With a ball in hand, I prepared for drills, but this wasn’t just any practice session. The court responded in real time to instructions from my trainer, who sketched plays on an iPad that instantly materialized as glowing pathways under my feet.
The technology, developed by ASB GlassFloor, transforms how athletes train and interact with their environment. Coaches can design custom drills using the “Whiteboard” feature, projecting routes and movements directly onto the court. Adjustments happen with a tap, eliminating the need for verbal explanations or static diagrams. What’s more, the system tracks player movements through embedded sensors, creating interactive effects, like trailing flames, that respond to speed and agility.
NBA teams have already embraced this innovation. During the 2024-25 season, nearly every franchise visited ASB’s Orlando demo facility to test the court’s capabilities. The Toronto Raptors’ session even went viral, showcasing how players and coaches alike were captivated by the seamless integration of play design and real-time feedback. Beyond flashy visuals, the floor’s true potential lies in advanced analytics and injury prevention, with sensors collecting data on footwork, acceleration, and fatigue.
ASB’s journey into sports technology began decades ago. Founded in 1965 as a drywall company in Germany, it pivoted to sports surfaces in the 1970s by introducing high-density wood panels for squash courts, a radical shift from traditional plaster. Despite initial skepticism, the innovation quickly became the standard. Today, under CEO Christof Babinsky, the company continues pushing boundaries, proving that the future of sports isn’t just about playing surfaces but how they interact with athletes.
From fan engagement to advertising, the applications are vast. Imagine courts that shift designs mid-game or display sponsor logos dynamically. Yet the most transformative impact may be behind the scenes, where real-time data and interactive training tools redefine performance analysis. Standing on that glowing court, it was clear: basketball will never look, or play, the same way again.
(Source: Wired)
