Agencies Posted online: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at 2030 hours IST
Melbourne, May 8: 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 the market within 18 months.
The 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.
The Smart Cricket Bat's key to reducing the '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 the bat in conjunction with the Australian Research Council, bat manufacturer Kookaburra Sport and sensor company Davidson Measurement.
The $600,000 project uses electro-mechanical sensors and actuators, built into the 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 the technology had increased the 'sweet spot' of the cricket bat-the area in which the batsman experiences least impact when hitting the ball hard-providing greater control. It may also reduce the injuries experienced by top-level batsmen.
