RASAD, a joint project between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Aspetar – Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, have signed an agreement with LCR Honda, in Doha to compete at the World Moto GP race at Lusail International Circuit, to become a lead customer and development partner of the RASAD technology platform to remotely monitor the physiological strain imposed on Honda LCR riders.
RASAD is an ICT solution/platform which uses a variety of sensors to collect data and transmit them over wireless or wired networks to a central server that processes the data and provides real-time customised graphical interfaces and services. QSTP Chairman, Dr Tidu Maini explained, ‘RASAD utilises two-way communication technology to send data over a wireless network. It is a world first technology, developed right here in Qatar, and has applications across multiple platforms. We are very excited to be partnering with LCR Honda on this project as RASAD will be providing solutions to improve the well-being and performance of Honda LCR riders.’
Aspetar’s Director General, Dr Mohammed GA Al Maadheed explained why Honda LCR riders can benefit from applying the RASAD technology to their performance monitoring. ‘Moto GP requires riders to maintain near maximal effort to control their motorbikes during high speed accelerations and through extreme braking and cornering. In addition, riders often endure extreme environmental conditions inducing thermal strain. Their protective clothing limits heat dissipation, exacerbating the physiological and thermal strain, which can reduce the ability to produce a voluntary force and induce significant cognitive impairments.’
LCR Honda Team Manager Lucio Cecchinello added that ‘Moto GP relies on combining the latest technologies with talented riders to gain a competitive edge. By working with Aspetar and QSTP we hope to characterise the physical strain imposed on our riders under different conditions and develop the appropriate countermeasures to ensure they not only reach the start line in peak condition, but are able to perform at their best.’
QSTP is a member of Qatar Foundation and is a world class incubator for research, development and commercialisation of new technologies. Aspetar is a FIFA F-Marc Medical Centre of Excellence located within the Aspire Zone Foundation.
