21: Carbon Fiber and Textile Innovations in the Sports Industry (feat. Dr. Kim B. Blair)

As old as civilization itself, sports are an essential part of our lives. Through the centuries it has been greatly affected by technology, and every major scientific breakthrough meant new records being made. Companies use the best materials available to improve casual and professional athletes’ performance, pushing boundaries in the heavily regulated industry that is sports competition. But can innovation ever be too good?

Before we introduce today’s guest, check out our free professional development guide for materials scientists and engineers!

Today’s guest is Dr. Kim B. Blair, Vice President of Re:Build Manufacturing. In this episode, he explains the ups and downs of sports innovation.

In this conversation, we discuss the following topics:

• Baseball: innovating a classic (2:00)
• Carbon fiber: from aerospace to sports (3:55)
• How Golf leads innovation (9:57)
• Can innovation be too good? (19:42)
• How Apolo Ohno’s fame put him at a disadvantage (23:04)
• The incorporation of wearables in sports (30:34)
• Collaboration between industry and sports companies (41:00)

Reach out to Dr. Blair: 

• https://www.sportsengineering.org/

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Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.