'Smart javelin' brings sensors and real-time data analysis to athletics

Javelins are about to get smart. TDK Corporation will fit throws with sensor technology at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, recording and analysing the physics behind every throw in real time.

As an official global supporter of the event, running in the Hungarian capital from 11 to 13 September, TDK will fit javelins with its sensors for a special demonstration featuring leading athletes.

The technology captures data invisible in a conventional result, where distance remains the only metric that counts. TDK's sensors track the javelin's release angle, rotation, speed, height and flight path.

TDK's software analyses that data in real time and turns it into visualisations displayed at the venue.

The goal is twofold: giving athletes a sharper picture of their technique and performance, and helping spectators grasp the mechanics behind a top-level throw.

The initiative builds on TDK's partnership with World Athletics ahead of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, when the two organisations first explored how sensor technology could capture previously "invisible" javelin data and present it accessibly.

TDK says upgrades to both the sensor unit and the software have since enabled instant analysis and visualisation of the javelin's movement, opening the door to new uses of the data in training, performance analysis and the spectator experience.

The Budapest demonstration

The special Smart Javelin presentation is scheduled for Friday, 11 September 2026, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm CEST, at the training and warm-up area of the Gyula Zsivótzky National Athletics Centre.

International-level athletes are expected to take part in the demonstration, including Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka, the world number one in the men's javelin rankings for 2026, and Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, the 2025 world champion, 2012 Olympic gold medallist and 2016 Olympic bronze medallist.

Japan's Haruka Kitaguchi, the 2024 Olympic champion, 2023 world champion and holder of the Japanese record, will take part in the discussion on sensor technology but will not throw.

Hungary will be represented by Máté Horváth, the 2025 national champion and 2022 European U18 silver medallist; Fanni Kövér, the 2024 national champion and 2023 European U20 bronze medallist; and Máté Járvás, the 2026 national bronze medallist.

From sensors to sports analytics

The project forms part of TDK's long-term "TDK Transformation" vision and "In Everything, Better" philosophy.

Through its "TDK Sensing Within" initiative, the company aims to integrate sensor technology into products and solutions across multiple sectors, working with external partners.

TDK has been an official partner of World Athletics since 1983, and in recent years the collaboration has expanded into technology projects using sensors and data to give new insight into athletes' performances.

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship is a new global competition that will bring together world and Olympic champions, Wanda Diamond League winners and the leading athletes in the world rankings every two years.

The inaugural edition takes place in Budapest from 11 to 13 September, with a prize fund of $10 million (€8.6 million).