BEAST

The Biocore Extreme Athlete Surface Tester (BEAST) was engineered to analyze and precisely measure the forces exerted on athletic surfaces by elite athletes. Additionally, the data collected by the BEAST can inform athletic equipment choices, particularly in the selection of the most appropriate footwear for the characteristics and qualities of the field surface. Over a decade of rigorous testing has led to the BEAST's evolution into an on-field device that can be deployed on athletic fields worldwide. Our comprehensive testing protocols enable us to provide field managers with data-driven detailed insights into the safety, performance, and consistency characteristics of their playing surfaces.

Understanding the Challenge

Shoe-surface interactions play a crucial role in athletic performance and safety. These interactions govern the forces and torques experienced by athletes during high-intensity movements, directly impacting both performance and injury risk. Players need a minimum level of traction to be able to perform, however, too much traction can increase a player's risk of injury. The BEAST has been developed to analyze these complex interactions. This innovative device characterizes available traction loads across various athletic surfaces, including natural, hybrid, and synthetic, under conditions relevant to professional sports. By using a mobile surface traction tester, the BEAST provides valuable in situ measurements that can inform field management and athlete safety strategies.

BEAST Surface Testing

The BEAST Surface Testing Device offers numerous benefits for analyzing and measuring surface traction in athletic fields.

With its adjustable vertical load ranging from 1.7 to 3.3 kN, it can simulate various athlete types and playing conditions efficiently.

The device's 9 data channels provide comprehensive measurements of displacement, force, and acceleration in all three principal axes, ensuring a thorough analysis of surface interactions.

Its high sampling rate of 10 kHz allows for precise data collection, while its capability for both rotational and translational motions mimics real-world athlete movements.

Perhaps most importantly, the BEAST is mobile, automated, and easy to operate, making it an invaluable tool for field managers and researchers to assess and optimize playing surfaces.

BEAST Surface Insights

Capturing field pitch data is just one facet of the complex challenge faced by sports field managers. Equally critical is the art of presenting this data in a format that is not only accessible but also highly relevant to the field managers' understanding and needs. This approach is of primary importance because it ensures that the wealth of information gathered can be effectively used to significantly enhance both the performance characteristics and safety measures of the field. By presenting data in an intuitive and actionable manner, field managers can make informed decisions that directly impact the quality of play and the well-being of athletes. This seamless integration of data collection and presentation is crucial for bridging the gap between raw information and practical field improvements, ultimately leading to optimized playing conditions and reduced injury risks.