AIS sets sights on becoming world leader in sport technology thanks to new recruit

The mechanical engineer said he was intrigued by the opportunity with the AIS and Australian sport. Photo: Supplied by AIS.

America’s Cup-winning engineer Ian Burns says his goal is for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to be the world leader in sports technology after returning home to take up a leading role for Australian sport.

Mr Burns has commenced as AIS Deputy Director of Applied Technology and Innovation after nine America’s Cup campaigns and the past seven years as Director of Performance with Oracle Team USA.

Mr Burns believes developments in sports data, technology and innovation will be a major factor in Australia’s ongoing international performance over the next two decades.

“Australia and the AIS have built a great reputation in international sport, but development in technology and innovation has now reached a pivotal stage and will define how competitive we remain over the next 10 to 20 years,” he said.

“We’re seeing a great change in the use and accessibility of technology in sport where even recreational athletes have access to their performance data.”

Mr Burns said he is willing to push the boundaries of innovation within sports and said the AIS cannot rely on tried and tested technology out in the market.

With nearly 30 years of sailing history, Mr Burns will look to re-purpose technology from other industries so the AIS becomes a world leader.

“It combines all the things I have a passion for including athlete performance, design technology and data analysis,” he said.

“I’ve been living in the global technology hub of San Francisco, and I’ve seen the fast pace of development there. I’m excited to combine this with Australia’s attitude to embracing innovation and sport.”

The mechanical engineer said he was intrigued by the opportunity with the AIS and Australian sport.

“America’s Cup racing is focused on consistently advancing the technology to stay ahead of the competition, so I’m really looking forward to applying that experience more broadly with the AIS and Australian sport,” he said.