OneCourt, a Seattle startup, has developed a tactile/haptics device that allows blind or low-vision sports fans to experience games through touch. The device translates gameplay data into spatial haptics, providing users with tactile playing-field outlines and vibrations that correspond to key movements and plays on the field or court. This technology aims to enhance the sports-watching experience for vision-impaired individuals who may rely solely on audio broadcasts to follow the action, which can sometimes lack important spatial details or be delayed compared to live events.
The CEO of OneCourt, Jerred Mace, explained that touch enables users to understand the details of a game by feeling them first and then piecing together the overall picture, whereas vision allows individuals to see the whole picture before focusing on specific details. The startup’s ultimate goal is to make the sports-watching experience more inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their visual impairments. OneCourt’s technology is designed to complement the existing audio broadcasts of games, providing users with a more immersive and engaging experience that helps them feel more connected to the action on the field.
Founded over two years ago by Mace and his co-founders at the University of Washington, OneCourt has leveraged data collected by professional sports teams and leagues for various purposes to create a human-centric application that enhances the foundational experience of sports fans. The startup has received support from Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility program, as well as a partnership with T-Mobile for technical support, 5G integration, and workspace access. OneCourt has also participated in various competitions and accelerator programs to further develop its technology and bring its product to market.
OneCourt recently conducted its first in-venue pilot with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, where Mace and the team had the opportunity to sit with blind or low-vision fans who were using the tactile/haptics device to follow the game. The experience was described as special and emotional, as fans were able to feel more connected to the action and gain a better understanding of what was happening on the court. The startup’s success at various competitions and investments, as well as its partnerships with industry leaders, have helped OneCourt establish itself as a leading innovator in the field of accessible sports technology.
The Flywheel Investment Conference in Wenatchee, Wash., awarded OneCourt a $50,000 investment prize and a $5,000 fan favorite prize, further validating the value and potential of the startup’s technology. By combining touch and audio in a unique way, OneCourt is revolutionizing the sports-watching experience for vision-impaired individuals, allowing them to feel more engaged and included in the games they love. As the company continues to grow and expand its reach, it has the potential to make a profound impact on the lives of sports fans with visual impairments, enabling them to experience the thrill of the game in a whole new way.
