Events for May 21, 2026

Provide sponsorship for the Southern Minnesota Section to exhibit at the 2026 EIT Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The exhibit will highlight IEEE membership, recent local section events, current chapters and affinity groups. IEEE membership information will be available. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, 1725 State Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States, 54601

The Umpire Assist project is an AI-driven system designed to improve the consistency and availability of officiating in youth baseball and softball by automating ball and strike calls. Developed in partnership with organizations such as USSSA and Little League Baseball, the system uses camera-based tracking and machine learning to detect pitch location, batter position, and swing activity, delivering real-time decisions with a target accuracy of over 97%. It is designed to reduce reliance on multiple umpires while maintaining the integrity of the game, providing near-instant feedback (under 500 milliseconds) through visual and audio outputs. The system also incorporates a dynamic strike zone that adjusts based on the batter, as well as remote configuration and cloud connectivity for monitoring, updates, and data collection. Throughout development, the project evolved from a multi-camera, distributed architecture to a more cost-effective stereoscopic camera system housed in a single installation point. Early prototypes validated the concept using separate camera angles and AI inference, but challenges related to installation complexity, cost, and environmental reliability led to a refined design that emphasizes simplified deployment, improved thermal management, and reduced hardware footprint. The final system integrates hardware, software, and cloud services into a cohesive platform capable of operating in diverse field conditions while maintaining high accuracy and reliability. Ongoing efforts focus on reducing costs, improving manufacturability, and preparing the system for broader deployment across youth sports facilities. Speaker(s): Jay Guild, Agenda: 5:30 PM – Networking 6:15 PM – Dinner (pizza, salad, and soft drinks provided) 7:00 PM – Presentation Bldg: Tavern Pizza & Pasta Grill, 1755 50th St, West Des Moines, Iowa, United States, 50266