With the arrival of the new season, clubs are launching new kits, streetwear and training wear but also souvenir products and innovative pieces of merchandising.
In this sense, Manchester City are the latest to innovate as they have presented a smart scarf.
This is a scarf with an integrated biometric sensor that measures heart rate, body temperature and emotional responses.
It has been created to measure the highs and lows of their fans and how the game affects them not only emotionally, but also physically.
The smart scarf was tested in recent matches
The scarf was made by the Octagon agency in conjunction with the club’s technology partner Cisco and uses an ‘EmotiBit’ biosensor that has been placed around the neck to gather the necessary data, albeit anonymously.
The technology was already being trialled during Manchester City’s final games of last season.
Six City fans were invited to take part in a pilot programme to test the new technology. They captured more than 120 moments of interest during the 90 minutes of the match.
In addition, the scarf will also be available to fans of sister club New York City in the United States.
Manchester City’s statement about their smart scarf
“For more than 100 years, the scarf has been the ultimate symbol of football fandom,” the club said in a statement.
“It’s seen the highs and the lows; and captures the blood, sweat and tears of fans, week in and week out.
“Now, together with our partner Cisco, we are excited to share an innovative upgrade to the scarf that allows us to measure those ups and downs and get a better understanding of the emotion at the heart of the world’s beautiful game.”
