RaceRanger was developed by James Elvery and Dylan McNeice, who competed as professional triathletes at top level World Triathlon and long-distance level.

World Triathlon said the development of RaceRanger, an electronic sensor system, was developed in collaboration with their sports team.

RaceRanger comprises two electronic units that triathletes in non-drafting competitions attach to their bicycles.

One electronic unit is placed at the front of the bike with the other located at the rear.

All athletes will have the devices fitted before the event.

World Triathlon says the rear unit features a light that directs a light signal backwards to a following competitor, providing information about their following distance.

The system will detect when infringements occur and send data to technical officials patrolling the course, via a tablet app interface.

The official assesses the situation in real-time and can then make a decision on whether a penalty needs to be applied through the system.

World Triathlon hopes use of the technology will eliminate subjective naked eye judgements, ensuring fair play for all competitors.

"World Triathlon is one of the most progressive and innovative sporting organisations in the world, and we have proved this approach multiple times," said Marisol Casado, World Triathlon President.

"With this agreement with RaceRanger, we want to make the athlete experience better, providing new technologies that will increase the fairness of the competition for all athletes, especially the ones competing in longer distance formats.

"I am really proud of our involvement in bringing the RaceRanger project to life from the beginning, supporting new ideas and technologies that will help develop our sport and make it even more accessible for all in the near future."

World Triathlon says non-drafting events make up approximately 85 per cent of triathlon competitions globally.

The public trial period will be conducted at selected events held during the New Zealand summer.

The trial will be overseen by technical officials from Triathlon New Zealand.

The RaceRanger system will be reviewed following the events.

World Triathlon said its future use and development will be assessed, with the governing body’s competition rules adjusted as required.