The last bullfight of the Santander Fair left intense moments. Marco Pérez suffered a goring in his right thigh with two trajectories, forcing his transfer to the infirmary. Morante de la Pública was inspired with the cape but erred when going in for the kill. Aaron Palacio, for his part, managed to cut an ear. For the average citizen, this does not alter their routine, but it reflects the risks and emotions of bullfighting as a cultural tradition.
Technology seeking to reduce risks in the ring 🤖
The development of new fabrics for suits of lights incorporates Kevlar fibers and cut-resistant polymers. Companies like ProtecToro are working on impact sensors that alert the team to the severity of a goring. Surveillance drones are also being tested to follow the bull from angles the human eye cannot capture. Although these innovations do not eliminate danger, they offer precise data to improve reaction after a goring. Science advances, but risk remains part of the spectacle.
The bull also has its own AI for dodging 🐂
While engineers develop smart vests, the bull continues using its basic operating system: pure instinct and two sharp horns. Morante failed to kill because the animal applied an unannounced update of a sharp turn. Aaron Palacio cut an ear because his muleta software worked better. At the next fair, we might see bulls with GPS or horns with sensors. Meanwhile, bullfighters will continue to be the beta testers of an app nobody asked for but everyone watches.