Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA) – Precision Testing for Sports Surfaces
The Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA), also known as Triple A, is an evolution of the standard artificial athletes described in EN 14808 and EN 14809.
It is used to assess the mechanical behaviour of sports surfaces, including shock absorption, vertical deformation and energy restitution.
Validated through round-robin testing, it is now recognised by several international sports federations as a reference device for surface testing.
Key Features of the AAA Device
- Triple measurement in one drop: shock absorption, deformation, and energy return
- Fast and efficient operation, reducing testing time by over 50%
- Simplified design, with no need to change springs between tests
- Integrated electronics for real-time data collection
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for on-site testing
- Low maintenance and highly durable over time
How the AAA Works
The AAA replicates the impact of a running athlete’s foot on the surface using a calibrated falling mass equipped with an accelerometer. Once dropped onto the surface, the device captures and calculates three distinct parameters.
Shock Absorption
This measures how much of the impact force is absorbed by the surface. It indicates the surface’s ability to reduce pressure on joints during play.
Vertical Deformation
This reflects how much the surface compresses under the applied load. Too much or too little deformation can affect stability and comfort.
Energy Restitution
This measures how much energy is returned to the athlete after impact. It helps assess the surface’s responsiveness and performance.
The data is collected and processed automatically, delivering consistent and objective results for surface testing and certification.
Suitable for Multiple Surface Types
The AAA can be used across a wide range of sports surfaces, including:
- Synthetic turf fields (football, rugby, hockey)
- Natural grass pitches
- Athletic tracks and polymeric surfaces
- Indoor sports floors such as gymnasiums or multi-sport courts
It is a preferred tool for ensuring surfaces meet safety and performance standards across various environments.
A Trusted Solution for Field Certification
The Advanced Artificial Athlete is recognized for its:
- Compliance with international test protocols
- High measurement repeatability
- Ease of transport and use in the field
Whether for new installations, periodic surface evaluations, or research and development, the AAA provides a reliable solution for assessing sports field quality with precision and speed.
