During a recent college football game, a groundbreaking 5G device made its debut: an augmented-reality football helmet featuring an integrated screen designed to relay and display visual play information to Gallaudet University’s quarterback.
Gallaudet University, which serves deaf or hard-of-hearing students, faces unique communication challenges on the football field, such as potential miscommunications or missed referee whistles. The AT&T 5G-connected helmet aims to address these challenges.
The helmet was used during a Gallaudet Bison NCAA Division III home game, marking an exciting moment in the sport. It features an integrated lens inside the helmet, which allows coaches to transmit play information using a tablet, displaying it on the augmented reality digital screen. AT&T’s 5G connectivity ensures reliable, low-latency communication that aligns with the fast pace of the game.
AT&T collaborated closely with Gallaudet players and coaches to develop and implement the helmet, and the carrier is also making a generous donation of $500,000 to the school’s football program.
While this innovation makes football more inclusive, AT&T sees broader applications for this technology, potentially improving safety for construction workers, first responders, and creating expanded job opportunities for the deaf community by enabling rapid and visual information presentation.
AT&T’s commitment to continued collaboration with partners reflects the potential to create meaningful change in sports and various other domains, thanks to the capabilities of 5G technology. Corey Anthony, SVP of network engineering and operations at AT&T, emphasized that the 5G-equipped football helmet signifies the transformative power of connectivity, opening up endless possibilities for innovation and positive impact. Shelby Bean, special teams coordinator and former Gallaudet University player, highlighted how this technology would level the playing field for mainstreamed athletes, offering an exciting and life-changing development for the game of football.
