Smart Cricket bat to be available soon for big-hitters

MELBOURNE: Australia’s World Cup-winning team may not be in need of it but a hi-tech Smart Cricket Bat to help big hitters like Adam Gilchrist smash the ball even further could be on market within 18 months.

Australian-developed, Smart Cricket Bat, has been patented as the world’s first bat with active vibration control, a system already in use in baseball bats and tennis racquets, reports ‘The Australian’.

Smart Cricket Bat’s key to reducing “zinging effect” felt by big-hitting batsmen is in its innovative handle. It can reduce vibration by up to 42 per cent.

Melbourne’s RMIT University has developed bat in conjunction with Australian Research Council, bat manufacturer Kookaburra Sport and sensor company Davidson Measurement.

The $600,000 project uses electro-mechanical sensors and actuators, built into bat’s handle. The technology is used in collaboration with a vibration absorbing polymeric-based synthetic material.

The materials convert shock waves into heat and dampen vibration by generating waves in the opposite direction.

RMIT project leader Sabu John said technology had increased “sweetspot” of cricket bat - area in which batsman experiences least impact when hitting a ball hard - providing greater control. It may also reduce injuries experienced by top-level batsmen.