Watch: AT&T And Gallaudet University's Groundbreaking AR Football Helmet With 5G Levels The Field For Deaf Players

Augmented reality technology has often been seen as gimmicky, but now, Gallaudet University is breaking new ground with an AR football helmet that addresses a crucial real-world challenge for deaf football players.

In a groundbreaking development, Gallaudet University, in collaboration with AT&T Inc. T, has unveiled an AR football helmet that will revolutionize the experience for the university’s deaf football team.

Gallaudet University’s deaf football team competes in the NCAA Division II, facing a significant disadvantage compared to other teams with players who can hear the referee’s whistles or the coaches’ instructions.

However, this innovative AR-powered football helmet is set to level the playing field.

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“If a player can’t see you, if they’re not locked in with eye contact, they’re not going to know what I’m saying,” explained Chuck Goldstein, head coach of the Gallaudet Bison, in a video.

Shelby Bean, head of recruitment at the university, former player, and special teams coordinator, expressed her excitement, saying, “As a former player, I am thrilled to see this innovative technology transform our lives and the game of football itself.”

This initiative aligns with Gallaudet University’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with tech giants like Apple Inc. AAPL to address accessibility concerns. Apple CEO Tim Cook delivered the commencement address in 2022, emphasizing the joint endeavors with the Gallaudet community to support deaf-owned businesses.

While the NCAA currently prohibits helmet use in college football, it has granted approval for a trial game with these helmets. If the trial proves successful and the NCAA approves helmet use more broadly, it will mark a significant victory for the deaf community and a notable advancement for AR technology.

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Photo courtesy: AT&T