Gamma Phase: Public Beta

Timeline: January 31 - March 27, 2026 (8 weeks)
Target: End of February release in warm-up zones at specified events

Overview

The Gamma phase will mark the system's debut at live HYROX events, deploying in warm-up zones for public testing and validation. This critical phase will test the system under real event conditions with hundreds of athletes, varying venue configurations, and the pressure of live competition environments. We'll focus on hardening the system, ensuring privacy compliance, and gathering comprehensive feedback from athletes and officials. This public beta phase will bridge the gap between controlled pilot testing and full production deployment, providing crucial real-world validation.

Key Activities

Planning & Deployment Strategy

Scope Refinement will define the exact feature set for event deployment based on Beta pilot feedback and operational requirements. We'll prioritize features that directly impact event operations while deferring nice-to-have enhancements to later phases, conducting detailed review sessions with event directors to understand their most critical needs and pain points. Clear success metrics will be established for each deployed feature to measure effectiveness during live events.

Hardware Optimization: The team will finalize production hardware choices by comparing various configuration options under event conditions. Building on Beta testing, we'll select equipment that balances performance, reliability, and cost for large-scale deployment. Standardization across all components will simplify procurement, maintenance, and field replacement during events. Vendor agreements will be finalized to ensure equipment availability for the anticipated deployment schedule.

Setup Documentation: We will create comprehensive setup instructions that enable event staff and technicians to deploy the system independently. Documentation will include visual guides, troubleshooting flowcharts, and quick reference cards for common scenarios. Multiple deployment configurations will be documented to handle various venue layouts and constraints. Training videos will supplement written materials to accelerate staff onboarding and reduce setup errors.

Event Selection: The team will strategically choose 3-5 HYROX events for Gamma deployment across different markets and venue types. Selection criteria include geographic diversity, venue infrastructure quality, and event size to test various operational scenarios. Priority will be given to events near Chicago to facilitate rapid support and iterative improvements based on direct observation. Each selected event will receive advance coordination to ensure venue readiness and staff preparation.

Coordination Framework: We will establish clear communication protocols with event directors, venue staff, and technical teams. Regular check-ins before, during, and after events will ensure smooth operations and rapid issue resolution. Escalation procedures will be defined for different severity levels with clear ownership and response time commitments. Post-event debriefs will capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement throughout the phase.

Computer Vision Advancements

Event Environment Adaptation will prove squat/stand positioning works reliably in challenging event conditions including crowds, noise, and constant movement. The system will be tested with hundreds of athletes warming up simultaneously, spectators walking through the frame, and the vibration from loud music typical at HYROX events. Advanced filtering algorithms will distinguish between athletes performing squats and other movements or people in the background while we validate performance across the full range of event conditions from early morning setup through peak competition times.

Athlete Selection Algorithm: The system will automatically identify and track the appropriate athlete from multiple people visible in frame. Using spatial analysis and movement patterns, the algorithm will focus on the athlete closest to the designated squat zone while ignoring others. Persistent tracking will maintain athlete identity even when they temporarily leave frame or are occluded by other people. Visual indicators will clearly show which athlete is being assessed to prevent confusion during judging.

Privacy & Compliance Implementation will ensure full GDPR/CCPA compliance with architecture that stores no biometric data at any point. The system will process video streams in real-time without recording or storing any imagery that could identify individuals while Compliance Specialist oversight ensures all data handling meets the strictest international privacy standards. Clear privacy notices and consent procedures will be implemented at event registration to maintain transparency.

Wristband Classification: The team will implement detection and classification of athlete wristbands for automatic identification and tracking. Computer vision algorithms will recognize the unique patterns or colors on HYROX wristbands to distinguish registered athletes from others. This automated identification will streamline the judging process and reduce manual input requirements during events. The system will gracefully handle cases where wristbands are obscured or not visible.

Performance Optimization: We will achieve consistent sub-200ms latency under full event load conditions through systematic optimization. The Edge Computing Engineer will implement advanced caching, parallel processing, and hardware acceleration to meet performance targets. Load testing will simulate peak event scenarios with multiple simultaneous stations to validate system scalability. Performance monitoring will provide real-time visibility into system behavior to identify and resolve bottlenecks quickly.

Portal Enhancements

Push Notifications: We will implement real-time alerts for judges and administrators to ensure rapid response to system events. Notifications will include athlete completion alerts, system warnings, and administrative messages relevant to each user's role. The notification system will use WebSocket connections for instant delivery while handling network interruptions gracefully. Customizable notification preferences will allow users to control which alerts they receive and how they're delivered.

Feature Refinements: The team will incorporate all feedback from Beta phase testing to improve usability and functionality. User interface improvements will focus on streamlining judge workflows and reducing cognitive load during competitions. Performance optimizations will ensure the portal remains responsive even under heavy load during peak event times. Bug fixes and stability improvements will address all issues identified during pilot deployments.

Gender Override Interface: We will streamline the manual override process for edge cases where automatic gender classification is uncertain. The interface will be designed for minimal disruption, allowing judges to make corrections with a single touch or click. Override decisions will be logged for audit purposes and used to improve the automatic classification system over time. Access controls will ensure only authorized personnel can make classification overrides during events.

Event Management Tools: The portal will include comprehensive interfaces for event-specific configuration and monitoring. Event directors can configure competition parameters, manage stations, and monitor overall system health from a centralized dashboard. Real-time visibility into all active stations will help identify and resolve issues before they impact competition. Historical data from each event will be accessible for post-event analysis and reporting.

Analytics Dashboard: We will build real-time metrics and performance monitoring across all stations for comprehensive event oversight. The dashboard will display key performance indicators including detection accuracy, processing latency, and system utilization. Drill-down capabilities will allow administrators to investigate specific issues or time periods in detail. Automated alerting will notify staff when metrics exceed defined thresholds requiring intervention.

Hardware Standardization

Production Equipment Comparison: We will test and validate chosen production hardware under real event conditions to ensure reliability. The Hardware Engineer will conduct stress testing including temperature extremes, vibration, and continuous operation for event duration. Performance metrics will be collected to validate that hardware maintains specifications throughout an entire competition day. Final hardware selection will balance cost, performance, and availability for large-scale procurement.

Deployment Kit Finalization: The team will determine the exact number of cameras and computing units required per station for optimal coverage. Configuration will be standardized to simplify deployment while providing flexibility for different venue layouts. Each kit will include all necessary components, cables, and mounting hardware for complete station setup. Spare components will be included to handle common failure scenarios without disrupting event operations.

Mounting Solutions: We will develop venue-agnostic mounting systems that work across various event configurations and venue types. Adjustable mounting hardware will accommodate different ceiling heights, wall materials, and structural constraints. Quick-release mechanisms will enable rapid setup and teardown while maintaining stable camera positioning during events. Multiple mounting options will be provided to handle venues where permanent installation isn't feasible.

Redundancy Planning: The system will implement comprehensive backup hardware and failover procedures to ensure continuous operation. Critical components will have hot-spare backups that automatically activate if primary units fail. Network redundancy will include both wired and wireless connectivity options to handle venue infrastructure issues. Procedures will be documented for rapid hardware replacement with minimal disruption to ongoing competitions.

Integration & Infrastructure

Camera-to-CV Reliability: We will ensure rock-solid connection between cameras and processing units in high-interference event environments. The system will handle wireless interference from hundreds of mobile devices, Bluetooth equipment, and venue WiFi networks. Automatic reconnection protocols will quickly restore connections after any interruption without manual intervention. Connection status monitoring will provide real-time visibility and alerting for any communication issues.

Portal Accessibility: The platform will enable secure local and remote access with role-based permissions for different user types. Judges will have streamlined local access optimized for low latency during active competition. Administrators will have remote access for monitoring and configuration from anywhere in the venue or off-site. Multi-factor authentication and encrypted communications will protect system access while maintaining usability.

Target System Connection: We will implement full integration with HYROX scoring and display systems for seamless event operations. APIs will be thoroughly tested to ensure reliable data exchange without impacting existing system performance. Real-time score updates will flow automatically from the CV system to displays and leaderboards. Fallback procedures will ensure manual scoring remains available if integration issues occur.

Internal Tool Integration: The system will connect to existing HYROX tools for remote notifications and comprehensive monitoring. Integration will enable event directors to manage the CV system alongside other event technologies from unified interfaces. Automated alerts will notify appropriate staff through existing communication channels when issues arise. Data will be shared with HYROX analytics platforms for comprehensive event reporting and insights.

Network Resilience: We will implement multiple fallback connectivity options to handle unreliable or overwhelmed venue networks. The system will automatically switch between wired, WiFi, and cellular connections based on availability and performance. Local caching and buffering will maintain operation during temporary network outages. Network diagnostic tools will help identify and resolve connectivity issues quickly during events.

Deliverables

Event Deployment Package

Complete Hardware Kits: We will deliver fully configured hardware packages for 5-10 warm-up zone stations ready for event deployment. Each kit will include cameras, edge computing devices, mounting hardware, and all necessary cables in organized cases. Pre-configuration and testing will ensure equipment works immediately upon installation without field adjustments. Detailed inventory lists and setup diagrams will accompany each kit for efficient deployment and asset tracking.

Rapid Deployment Procedures: The team will develop procedures enabling complete station setup in under 2 hours from arrival to operational. Step-by-step workflows will guide event staff through unpacking, mounting, connecting, and validating each component. Time-saving techniques like pre-configured network settings and automatic calibration will minimize setup complexity. Practice deployments will validate procedures and identify optimization opportunities.

Training Materials: We will create comprehensive event staff training materials including written guides, videos, and quick reference cards. Materials will cover system operation, basic troubleshooting, and escalation procedures for different scenarios. Role-specific training will ensure judges, technical staff, and administrators understand their responsibilities. Hands-on training sessions at early events will validate material effectiveness and gather improvement feedback.

Support Protocols: The system will include documented on-site support protocols and escalation procedures for event operations. Clear decision trees will guide staff through common issues with response steps and escalation triggers. Remote support procedures will enable expert assistance without requiring on-site presence for every event. Service level agreements will define response times and resolution commitments for different issue severities.

Software Releases

Event-Hardened CV System: We will deliver a computer vision system specifically hardened for the challenging conditions of live events. The system will handle crowds, movement, and environmental variations while maintaining detection accuracy. Extensive testing under event conditions will validate reliability and performance specifications. Automatic adaptation to changing conditions will ensure consistent operation throughout competition days.

Wristband Detection Features: The release will include wristband detection and athlete identification capabilities for streamlined operations. Automatic athlete recognition will reduce manual input requirements and speed up warm-up zone throughput. The system will handle various wristband styles and colors used across different HYROX events. Fallback procedures will ensure operation continues even when wristband detection isn't possible.

Privacy-Compliant Architecture: We will implement privacy-compliant data handling with automatic purging to meet international regulations. No biometric data will be stored, with all processing happening in real-time without recording. Automatic data purging will ensure any operational data is removed according to defined retention policies. Compliance controls will be configurable per region to meet local regulatory requirements.

Multi-Language Support: The interface will support multiple languages for international events across HYROX's global footprint. Initial release will include English, German, Spanish, and French with additional languages added based on event locations. Language selection will be automatic based on event configuration or manually selectable by users. All documentation and training materials will be translated to supported languages.

Compliance Documentation

Regulatory Certifications: We will obtain GDPR/CCPA compliance certification from qualified third-party assessors. Documentation will demonstrate compliance with privacy-by-design principles and data minimization requirements. Certification will cover all aspects of system operation from data collection through disposal. Regular audits will ensure ongoing compliance as the system evolves.

Privacy Impact Assessments: The Compliance Specialist will conduct privacy impact assessments for each operating region and event location. Assessments will identify potential privacy risks and document mitigation measures implemented. Region-specific configurations will be documented to ensure appropriate controls are applied. Regular reviews will update assessments as regulations and system capabilities change.

Data Policies: We will establish clear data retention and deletion policies aligned with regulatory requirements. Policies will specify what data is collected, how long it's retained, and when it's automatically purged. Access controls and audit logs will ensure policy compliance can be demonstrated. Athletes and event staff will have clear visibility into data handling practices.

Consent Management: The system will include athlete consent management procedures integrated with event registration. Clear explanations of system operation and data handling will be provided during registration. Opt-out procedures will be available for athletes who don't wish to use the automated system. Consent records will be maintained according to regulatory requirements.

Performance Reports

Event Deployment Metrics: We will compile comprehensive metrics from each event deployment including setup times, issue rates, and response speeds. Performance data will track system accuracy, latency, and reliability under various event conditions. Comparative analysis across events will identify patterns and improvement opportunities. Executive summaries will communicate key findings to stakeholders.

User Feedback Analysis: The team will systematically collect and analyze feedback from athletes, judges, and event staff. Surveys, interviews, and observation will capture both quantitative metrics and qualitative insights. Common themes and pain points will be identified and prioritized for resolution. Positive feedback will be documented for marketing and training purposes.

System Performance Statistics: We will generate detailed performance statistics showing system behavior under real event loads. Metrics will include processing latency, detection accuracy, and resource utilization throughout event days. Performance trends will be analyzed to identify degradation patterns or optimization opportunities. Capacity planning data will inform scaling requirements for larger deployments.

Improvement Recommendations: The phase will conclude with detailed recommendations for Delta phase based on lessons learned. Prioritized improvement lists will balance technical enhancements with operational optimizations. Resource requirements and timelines will be estimated for each recommended improvement. Risk assessments will identify potential challenges in implementing recommendations.

Operational Procedures

Setup and Teardown Checklists: We will create comprehensive checklists ensuring consistent and complete event deployment. Pre-event checklists will cover equipment verification, system configuration, and testing procedures. Post-event checklists will ensure proper shutdown, equipment packing, and data handling. Time estimates for each step will help event planning and staff scheduling.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts: The team will develop visual flowcharts for diagnosing and resolving common operational issues. Each flowchart will start with observable symptoms and guide through diagnostic steps to resolution. Resolution procedures will include both temporary workarounds and permanent fixes. Escalation points will be clearly marked for issues requiring expert support.

Remote Monitoring Procedures: We will establish procedures for remote system monitoring and support during events. Monitoring dashboards will provide real-time visibility into system health and performance metrics. Alert procedures will ensure appropriate staff are notified of issues requiring attention. Remote access protocols will enable expert support without on-site presence.

Incident Response Protocols: The system will include documented incident response protocols for various failure scenarios. Severity levels will be defined with corresponding response times and escalation procedures. Communication templates will ensure consistent and timely updates to affected stakeholders. Post-incident reviews will capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Staffing Summary

The Gamma phase requires the full team of ten roles working over 8 weeks with a weekly cost of $77,300 and a total phase investment of $618,400.

The Technical Lead provides strategic oversight at 50% allocation for $5,500 weekly, focusing on system architecture validation while beginning knowledge transfer preparation.

The Computer Vision AI Lead ensures system reliability under challenging event conditions at 100% allocation for $10,000 per week, adapting algorithms for the complex environments of live competitions.

The Machine Learning Engineer optimizes wristband detection and athlete identification systems at full allocation for $9,000 weekly, while The Edge Computing Engineer maintains performance under event load conditions at 100% allocation for $8,500 per week.

The Platform Engineer manages infrastructure scaling for multi-event deployments at full allocation for $8,500 weekly, ensuring the system can handle increasing operational demands.

The Full-Stack Engineer implements critical portal enhancements including push notifications and analytics at 100% allocation for $7,500 per week.

The Hardware Engineer standardizes deployment kits and mounting systems at 100% allocation for $8,500 weekly, creating the foundation for consistent global deployment.

The QA Engineer conducts comprehensive event testing and validation at full allocation for $7,000 per week, ensuring system reliability under real-world conditions.

The Compliance Specialist ensures privacy compliance across all operating regions at 50% allocation for $4,000 weekly, navigating the complex requirements of international deployment.

The Project Manager coordinates complex event logistics and multi-site operations at 100% allocation for $8,800 per week, managing the increased complexity of public deployment.

Role	Responsibility	Allocation	Weekly Rate	Phase Cost
Technical Lead	Strategic Oversight & Transfer	50%	$11,000	$44,000
Computer Vision AI Lead	Event Environment Adaptation	100%	$10,000	$80,000
Machine Learning Engineer	Wristband Detection & Athletes	100%	$9,000	$72,000
Edge Computing Engineer	Event Load Performance	100%	$8,500	$68,000
Platform Engineer	Multi-Event Infrastructure	100%	$8,500	$68,000
Full-Stack Engineer	Push Notifications & Features	100%	$7,500	$60,000
Hardware Engineer	Production Kit Standardization	100%	$8,500	$68,000
QA Engineer	Event Testing & Validation	100%	$7,000	$56,000
Compliance Specialist	GDPR/CCPA Compliance	50%	$8,000	$32,000
Project Manager	Event Logistics Coordination	100%	$8,800	$70,400

Success Criteria

Event Performance

System Reliability: We must achieve zero critical system failures during live events that impact competition operations. The system should gracefully handle component failures with automatic failover to backup systems. Any issues that do occur must be resolved within 5 minutes to avoid disrupting athlete flow. Comprehensive logging will enable rapid diagnosis and resolution of any problems that arise.

Setup Efficiency: The team must consistently achieve sub-2-hour setup times from equipment arrival to fully operational stations. This will include unpacking, mounting, network configuration, and system validation before athletes begin using the system. Setup procedures must be simple enough for event staff to execute with minimal training. Teardown must be equally efficient to avoid venue overtime charges.

Athlete Experience: We need to achieve 90% positive feedback from participating athletes regarding system fairness and accuracy. Athletes should feel the automated system is as fair or fairer than human judging alone. The system should not create delays or friction in the warm-up zone experience. Clear communication about how the system works will build athlete trust and acceptance.

Operational Success

Judge Acceptance: Event judges must successfully adopt the system and integrate it into their workflows. Training time should be minimal with judges comfortable using the system within 30 minutes. The system should reduce judge workload rather than adding complexity to their responsibilities. Feedback from judges should be overwhelmingly positive about system utility and usability.

Privacy Compliance: We must maintain zero privacy violations or data breaches throughout all event deployments. All data handling must comply with local regulations in each event location. Privacy notices and consent procedures must be clear and properly implemented. Regular audits will verify ongoing compliance with established policies.

Scale Validation: The system must support 40-80 athletes per hour per station without performance degradation. This throughput must be maintained during peak warm-up times when athlete volume is highest. Queue management and athlete flow must be smooth without creating bottlenecks. System capacity must have headroom for even higher volumes anticipated in Delta phase.

Risks & Mitigations

Event Risks

Venue Variations: We may encounter unexpected venue layouts or infrastructure limitations that complicate deployment. Some venues might have structural constraints that prevent optimal camera placement or lack necessary power outlets. To mitigate this, the Hardware Engineer will develop adaptive mounting systems that work in various configurations. We'll also conduct pre-event site surveys whenever possible to identify challenges before arrival.

Crowd Interference: Athletes or spectators may inadvertently block camera views during busy warm-up periods. The dynamic event environment with constant movement creates challenging conditions for consistent tracking. We'll implement multiple camera angles to provide redundancy when views are blocked. Advanced occlusion handling algorithms will maintain tracking even with partial visibility.

Technical Risks

Network Congestion: Event WiFi networks may become overwhelmed by hundreds of attendees using mobile devices simultaneously. Venue infrastructure might not support the bandwidth requirements for multiple video streams. We'll deploy dedicated network infrastructure separate from public WiFi when possible. Cellular backup connections will provide redundancy when venue networks are unreliable.

Environmental Factors: Changing lighting conditions, dust, and vibration from loud music may impact system performance. Event venues often have dramatic lighting changes and physical conditions that differ from controlled testing. We'll implement adaptive algorithms that automatically adjust to changing environmental conditions. Protective hardware enclosures will shield equipment from dust and vibration.

Compliance Risks

International Regulations: Privacy laws vary significantly across event locations requiring different compliance approaches. New regulations may be enacted during the project that require system modifications. The Compliance Specialist will ensure region-specific configurations are properly implemented for each location. We'll maintain flexibility in the architecture to adapt to changing regulatory requirements.

Athlete Concerns: Some athletes may object to automated monitoring or have privacy concerns about the technology. Misunderstandings about data collection and storage could create negative publicity. We'll provide clear communication about system operation and privacy protections during registration. Opt-out procedures will be available for athletes who prefer traditional judging.

Operational Risks

Support Burden: High support needs during live events could overwhelm available technical resources. Multiple simultaneous events might create competing priorities for limited support staff. We'll establish on-site support teams for major events and comprehensive training for event staff. Remote monitoring and support capabilities will maximize efficiency of expert resources.

Equipment Damage: Hardware may be damaged during transport, setup, or operation at events. Rough handling or accidents could render critical equipment inoperable without quick replacement. We'll use ruggedized cases designed for repeated transport and rough handling. Spare equipment will be pre-positioned at events to enable rapid replacement of damaged components.