Japanese technology giant NTT Data began collaborating with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Rakuten Golden Eagles on a project three years ago that turned into a virtual reality simulator. The Eagles began using the system during the 2017 season, and at least one MLB club has joined as a client, too.
While there are several competitors in the field of VR baseball tools, what distinguishes NTT Data’s product is a research-based approach and a new feature incorporating additional sensors. Instead of limiting the hitter-program interaction to just a VR headset, athletes can add a wearable sensor on their pelvis to track hip rotation and another sensor on the bat.