+++ BMW’s technology to improve performance in bobsled, luge, and skeleton +++ Two World Championships on home soil +++
Munich. The German Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation (BSD) is gearing up for a new season with the FIL World Championships Luge (January 22-28, 2024, Altenberg) and the BMW IBSF World Championships Bobsled and Skeleton (February 19 to March 3, 2024, Winterberg) as the highlights. The BSD is looking to build on its success in the World Cup and international events and is leveraging its technology partnership with the BMW Group, which began in 2010.
The automotive expertise and technological innovation of the BMW Group have been particularly beneficial in disciplines where material plays a crucial role, such as luge, bobsled, and skeleton. The partnership aims to transfer technology from the automotive industry to the ice track, with a focus on two projects for the upcoming season: the ‘BMW Data Coach’ for luge and spike plates for bobsled shoes.
Data-driven Optimization in Luge.
The ‘BMW Data Coach’ is a data-driven evaluation and optimization tool in luge, aiming to enhance the interaction between the sled and athlete. It utilizes measurement and simulation methods to provide luge athletes with new opportunities for individual development and tuning of their sleds, along with identifying the optimal driving line. The technology, developed in collaboration with the BMW Group, has been in progress since 2016, and it continues to evolve.
The technology records various driving data using special sensors in the sled, which is then reconstructed on the ice track through a dedicated evaluation software. This enables athletes to optimize components and tuning of their sports equipment based on the collected data. Moreover, the data set, combined with computer simulations, allows for predictions about the use of new components and setups, thereby enhancing efficiency in the sport.
The ‘BMW Data Coach’ is particularly valuable for the Altenberg World Championships ice track due to its length and challenging features, such as abrupt curves and high-pressure areas. The technology also provides insight into the driving lines of top athletes, allowing for the calculation of the ideal combination for competitive advantage.
Enhanced Start Performance in Bobsled.
In bobsled, start times are crucial for achieving speed in the ice channel. BMW’s collaboration with the BSD has focused on enhancing the spike plates for bobsled shoes using 3D printing technology. This approach allows for the efficient variation of performance factors such as geometry, number of teeth, and weight, resulting in individualized plates for each athlete.
The use of 3D printing has opened up new possibilities in optimizing the spike plates while also enabling the use of different materials and construction software for efficient and tailored production. The ongoing optimizations are expected to be completed by the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a focus on stiffness and individual preferences of athletes.
Additionally, BMW continues to support BSD as the title partner for the BMW IBSF World Cup Bobsleigh and Skeleton and the BMW IBSF World Championships Bobsleigh and Skeleton, as well as the main sponsor for the FIL Luge World Cup and the FIL World Championships Luge in the 2023/24 season. The partnership signifies BMW’s continued commitment to advancing technology and performance in bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge sports.