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Left to right, Caleb Hoffman, Dave Vanz and Chris Thornton stand on a glass court at ASB GlassFloor facility in Orlando | Photo by the Orlando Life
NBA Selects Orlando as Home for Glass Court Technology Company
ASB GlassFloor, a German based sports technology company known for its interactive glass court systems, has opened its first U.S. facility in Orlando. The company began operating locally in January 2025 in a 13,000sqft warehouse before moving this fall into a larger 35,000sqft facility just off the 528. Chris Thornton, who recently moved here from NY, is the Managing Director of the Americas, overseeing the new site and its growing activity from professional teams, colleges and community groups.
ASB GlassFloor’s technology, called the LumiFlex, is a fused tempered glass surface installed over LED panels. The system can display full court graphics, training tools and interactive environments that change instantly through an iPad. One major use was during the NBA All-Star Weekend when it featured the technology in action, including a digital Ruffles three point line that moved across the court and introduced five point scoring.
The company’s Founder, Christof Babinsky, describes the mission of the company as an effort to “change the world of indoor sports” through adaptable surfaces that combine German engineering with digital innovation.
During my visit, Thornton demonstrated the system’s capability by drawing plays on an iPad and having those markings appear instantly on the court. Local Orlando athlete and basketball enthusiast, Caleb Hoffman, joined me for the session, running each play as it materialized beneath him. Also joining us was Anthony LaGuardia from Grandeur Marketing Group, who captured aerial footage of the session. As he coached Caleb through different movements, Thornton also showcased how the entire floor’s appearance could be changed, shifting it from a traditional wood look to a matte black court within seconds. All of it was controlled through the company’s proprietary GlassCourt OS, which manages the LumiFlex system.
One of the first things I noticed was the texture of the surface. The ceramic coated glass is covered in millions of micro dots that create a consistent grip, which helps reduce the abrupt stops athletes sometimes experience on wood floors with uneven lacquer. The glass has slightly more elasticity than maple, giving players a softer landing on their joints without changing the way the ball reacts. “Players are reporting that it feels more consistent and more comfortable on their bodies,” Thornton said. Even the familiar squeak of sneakers could be heard from the athletes training before our interview.
Other than the technology beneath it, nothing about the floor felt unfamiliar, although it is engineered to be safer than traditional hardwood. Hoffman said the surface felt “rejuvenating,” adding that he noticed less energy leaving his legs on jumps and quick stops and believed the design could help reduce injuries for players at every level. The surface is also built for longevity, with the glass rated for roughly 75 years and the LED system designed for about 100,000 hours of use.
Thornton noted that if the court were used eight hours a day, the LED system would last “about 21 years” before needing replacement. Thornton also highlighted ASB’s partnership with ShotTracker, whose wearable sensors track shot locations and player movement. During our visit he placed a sensor on Caleb and set up a digital defender on the floor, allowing him to demonstrate how the system logs makes, misses and positioning in real time. Seeing the data appear directly on the surface showed how naturally analytics, coaching and interactivity work together on the court.
The cost of the system places ASB GlassFloor’s current focus on professional organizations and collegiate programs, although the company hopes the technology will eventually be accessible in schools. Thornton noted that widespread adoption in K-12 settings is difficult because “there is not a commercialization of a gymnasium at a school,” which limits the funding models available for advanced equipment.
One possible path forward that we see is a dual purpose approach that uses the floor for both athletics and education. The same surface that supports training, reduces joint impact and enhances game experiences could also be integrated into a school’s curriculum. Schools could apply the court to design thinking, digital media, computer science and interactive learning, and even real time statistics. With the ability to track shots, movement patterns and performance data, students could analyze live information from games and practices as part of math and statistics courses, giving them a direct connection between classroom concepts and real world application.
When it comes to cost, Thornton brought up a direct comparison to arena jumbotrons. The LumiFlex floor costs roughly half the price of a jumbotron, which has drawn attention from venues looking for new sponsorship inventory and interactive experiences.
Coming to Orlando
The decision to locate the first American facility in Orlando was made by the NBA, which is a minority shareholder in ASB GlassFloor. Thornton cited logistics and proximity to hotels and venues as advantages. Orlando’s role in simulation, gaming and immersive technology also aligns with the company’s direction. During our visit, several high school athletes were training under coach TJ Bannister, and Thornton noted that every NBA team visiting the Orlando Magic has been scheduling time on the court. Recent visitors have included the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and players such as James Harden.
As professional teams, colleges and community groups continue using the facility, Orlando has become a national point of interest for organizations evaluating the future of sports flooring. With its blend of local technology expertise, simulation history and existing sports infrastructure, the region offers a fitting environment for ASB GlassFloor’s expansion.
Thornton said the company plans to keep involving the community during periods when professional teams are not in the facility. The combination of elite training, creative applications and educational possibilities positions the Orlando site as both a testing ground and a showcase for how interactive sports surfaces may evolve.
Click here to watch the full video interview on our YouTube channel.
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