An innovative design studio, Agent, unveiled the “CTRUS”, a see-through soccer ball that imitates the bounce of an inflated pneumatic soccer ball, but without losing the air, giving transparency to the game of soccer. Claimed to be the first soccer ball you can see through, CTRUS’ functional principle is based on the mechanical properties of its materials, i.e. an inner structure (skelle-core) and an outer net-embedded shell, which is carved out of reinforced elastomer to make it more flexible in comparison to regular soccer balls. The flexibility provided by its materials, emulates the bounce of an inflated pneumatic soccer ball, but offers the advantage of not loosing air.
The hybrid soccer ball comes integrated with an interactive detection system that communicating wirelessly with control stations at the stadium changes its color to display the critical game situations, such as goal, offside, kick force, travel speed and if the ball is over the goal line or outside the field of play, via a GPS/RFID inner light. With CTRUS, now referees will have a closer look on the game to prevent controversial decisions.
CTRUS provides added functionality controlled by the electronic components in its nucleus which communicate wirelessly with control stations at the stadium:
- Inner light, color changes at critical game situations (goal, offside and out of bounds).
- Recording of kick force and travel speed.
- Location of the ball relative to the court (Interactive Detection System via GPS/RFID).
- P.O.V. camera footage (software stabilized image).
The DNA behind the HYB method is based on a new approach to the product development process, relying on continuous research, cross-pollination and market sensitivity. With the HYB method, AGENT skillfully rearranges specific components from diverse sources in order to obtain new effective hybrid solutions and applies them where they are needed. The HYB method presents new approaches for the endless paradigms and challenges of our times as well as for the complex futures upon us.
