The secret behind the 2010 World Cup ball

Adidas and scientists from the Institute of Sports Technology, Loughborough University, UK, are quietly experimenting to create the perfect ball on the planet, serving the 2010 World Cup.

Their last research product was the World Cup ball, called Jabulani, in Zulu which means 'Anniversary'.

This ball is more stable in the flight path up to 30% compared to the balls used by players only a decade ago. Jabulani will be the first stone in the world on June 11 in the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

As the most modern ball, it has an artificial outer coating - The skin type was dropped before the final in Mexico in 1986.

Scientists at Loughborough University found that the ball has less skin, providing greater stability. At the same time, they discovered that creating more grooves on the surface of the ball would improve its stability in the air.

Jabulani ball image, a special ball for the World Cup 2010.

The Jabulani has an outer surface that can avoid slippery when the yard is wet. That is thanks to the outer plastic layer that forms a waterproof layer for the ball. The traditional leather cover is replaced by eight pieces placed side by side, which are joined together by the heating process.

Tested with a robot with a ball

The balls will be tested in a harsh condition, including: taking 2,000 times with a steel plate at a speed of 50km / h after having been tested for pressure. The main engine used in the test was the Dave robot, which had the power to kick the ball up to a speed of 145km / h.

According to the Institute of Sports Technology, the 1.2m Dave's legs, made from metal attached to a shaft to help it perform the same shot operation as humans.

Dave was preparing to kick the 2010 World Cup ball.

The name Dave was named after Dave Ward, a student who designed it four years ago. This robot allows researchers to find ways to change the structure of the ball to influence its movement.

Dr. Andy Harland who worked on this project since the first day Adidas cooperated with Loughborough University in 2002 said: 'Everyone admits in any case, no one can kick the ball exactly the same. In as many times as this robot gets. We used Dave to kick the ball in many different conditions and we did it in a windy tunnel. It allows us to track the ball's reaction in any situation. We do a lot of times and change the ball to see how the result is. ' .

Midfielder Frank Lampard said: 'It's a ball that wants to catch it, you have to fly. I hope to train soon and win the world cup with it. '