FIFA World Cup: Ball With In-Built Camera to be Used in Brazil

Technology will get a new meaning in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Brazil as the Brazuca balls to be used in the mega event will come with six in-built HD cameras capturing 360 degree view of the on-field action. Encapsulating everything that's Brazil and its passion for the game, the ball has shades of blue, orange and green, and stars on it reflecting the vibrancy and flair associated with the game in the Mecca of football. (Also read: 'Brazil have one hand on the World Cup Trophy')

Talking about Brazuca, Tushar Goculdas, Brand Director -adidas India said, "The ultimate football tournament comes to the home of football, Brazil - it does not get any bigger than this. We kicked off our World Cup campaign with the launch of an exciting line-up of products. The essence of Brazil is represented through the most iconic symbol of the World Cup, Brazuca - the official match ball."

Brazuca is the 12th ball created by sportswear giants but its last World Cup creation, Jabulani, which was used in the 2010 competition in South Africa, was heavily criticised for its unpredictability in the air due to its lighter weight. Adidas, though, claimed that this time the ball will be much better. It said the football will have vastly improved touch and accuracy.

The technology involves a new structural innovation with a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure that will provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the pitch.

Brazucam is a customised Brazuca official match ball featuring six HD cameras that capture 360 degree view of the action. The product features custom-made image stabilisation software at the cutting edge of innovation.

It is created by six propeller-shaped polyurethane panels being thermally bonded together. Between the seams the Brazuca also has a different geometry to different balls, which aerodynamics experts believe, will help it remain more stable in the air.

"We do extensive flight path analysis and the results have shown constant and predictable paths with deviations hardly recognisable," Matthias Mecking, Adidas football director, had been quoted as saying by BBC.

Brazuca went through a thorough testing process over a two-and-a-half year period involving more than 600 of the world's top players and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents, making it the most tested ball ever by adidas and ensuring that it is suited to all conditions.

Around 600 players from across 30 professional and national teams in 10 countries were used during what was a thorough testing process.

The ball weighs 437 grams and has a water absorption rate of 0.2%, meaning it can retain its shape, size and weight even in the rain.

The name Brazuca, meaning the Brazilian way of life, was chosen by over 1 million football fans in September 2012.