Human Ingenuity or Artificial Intelligence: Are You Playing on the Right Field?

Human Ingenuity or Artificial Intelligence: Are You Playing on the Right Field?

Over the weekend, James Dyson dropped a sleek new video about vacuum cleaners.

Yes, vacuum cleaners. It’s beautifully shot, deeply technical, and classic Dyson: passionate, obsessive about the details, and brimming with brilliant engineering.

But here’s the kicker: it might be a masterclass in what not to do.

While Dyson is investing millions in solving tangled hair in vacuum rollers, the real problem has already shifted. Today, consumers aren’t asking, “Will this vacuum handle pet hair?” They’re asking, “Do I even have to vacuum at all?”

The market’s answer? AI-powered robot vacuums. One in two vacuum cleaners sold today is fully autonomous.

So while Dyson’s solution is undeniably clever, it may be targeted at a shrinking problem space. And that’s the real lesson for the sports tech world:

👉 Are you applying your best human ingenuity to a space that still matters?

🧠 Lesson 1: Innovation Means Nothing If the Problem Is Obsolete

This isn’t a knock on Dyson, he’s a brilliant inventor. But even the sharpest minds can miss the mark if they’re solving the wrong problem.

Let’s bring that home to sports tech.

Too many startups fall in love with their technology, rather than the problem it’s meant to solve. That’s why it’s refreshing to see companies like Full Venue doing it differently.

Instead of trying to “revolutionize” ticketing with new interfaces, Full Venue uses AI to predict which fans are most likely to buy, and targets them precisely when it counts.

Clubs and leagues aren’t just promoting events anymore, they’re increasing ROI, lowering acquisition costs, and making smarter, data-driven marketing decisions.

💡 That’s innovation aimed at a living, breathing business need.

🤝 Lesson 2: Humans Still Lead – Use That Edge

AI is powerful. But it’s not a substitute for creativity, emotion, or context. The magic still lies in how humans wield that power.

Just look at Alison.ai. They’re not replacing sports marketers or content creators, they’re empowering them.

By analyzing creative performance data, Alison.ai helps clubs, leagues, and sponsors understand what visuals, messaging, and calls-to-action resonate best with different fan segments.

The result? Video campaigns that convert better, faster, and speak directly to the heart of the fan.

✨ Human storytelling, sharpened by machine insight.

🎯 Lesson 3: Pick the Right Playing Field

Here’s the big one:

Are you building where your ideas can truly move the needle?

Let’s be real, some problem spaces are oversaturated, or simply fading. But others are just opening up.

Take ReSpo.Vision. They didn’t chase the crowded market of wearables or proprietary tracking systems. Instead, they asked: What if elite-level data could be unlocked from regular sports broadcasts?

Using AI and computer vision, ReSpo.Vision extracts 3D skeletal data from standard video feeds, no sensors, no extra gear. This opens up high-level tactical analysis and fan-facing visualizations to clubs, broadcasters, and digital platforms alike.

⚡ That’s a shift. That’s access. That’s the right field.

Now look at HiWay Media. They’re not just distributing content, they’re building full digital ecosystems. From production to global delivery, HiWay helps organizations create scalable fan experiences that go far beyond the live game.

In today’s battle for attention, that’s not a service,it’s a competitive edge.

🏁 Final Whistle: Make Human Ingenuity Count

AI isn’t your rival, it’s your co-pilot. But human ingenuity? That’s still your X-factor.

So don’t waste it solving yesterday’s problems. Don’t optimize what the market’s already moved past.

Apply it where it counts. In spaces that are growing, shifting, and ripe for real impact.

Because in this era of exponential change, the smartest move isn’t just to build something great.

👉 It’s to build it on the right field.

👇 A quick question:

I’m setting up a few short 1:1 brainstorming sessions with sport property leaders, on how AI is actually showing up in sports. (5 spots, first come first served)

No agenda just listening and learning from sharp minds in the field.

Could be relevant?
If yes, just let me know here

With love for sports and innovation,
AR