How AI Is Discovering Athletes That Human Scouts Miss | Richard Felton-Thomas | TED
In Richard Felton-Thomas’s TED Talk titled “How AI Is Discovering Athletes That Human Scouts Miss,” the speaker explores the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the talent identification process in sports. He begins by challenging the conventional perception that sporting excellence springs from a select group of countries, emphasizing that talent is ubiquitous, yet often overlooked due to limited scouting resources.
Felton-Thomas introduces aiScout, an innovative app developed to democratize access to sporting opportunities. By utilizing computer vision and deep learning technology, it allows athletes from all corners of the globe to showcase their skills via standardized drills captured on their smartphones. The app analyzes key metrics, ensuring that talented players, even those in remote areas, receive fair and equitable evaluation.
Through partnerships with renowned institutions like Chelsea Football Club and the Reliance Foundation in India, aiScout has successfully identified countless hidden talents, including a previously unrecognized player who made his mark at a Premier League club. As the app expands globally, it aims to redefine scouting, not just by filling talent pipelines but also by unlocking potential across various sports—proving that true excellence can emerge from anywhere. This talk reflects on the transformative impact of technology in leveling the playing field for aspiring athletes worldwide.
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Video “How AI Is Discovering Athletes That Human Scouts Miss | Richard Felton-Thomas | TED” was uploaded on 11/06/2025 to Youtube Channel TED