The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed how the use of advanced technology solutions will enhance user experience at the 2024 Summer Olympics (Paris 2024).
IOC has partnered with several technology players to implement solutions such as the use of digital twins for efficient energy management, AI for processing feed from multiple cameras for broadcasting, and automated online abuse detection for safeguarding athletes.
Alibaba, Deloitte, Intel and OMEGA and Media Rights-Holders, including Warner Bros. Discovery and NBC, are some of the partners. Beyond these, there are several other innovations that are disrupting the sports industry.
“We will see some pioneering concepts at Paris 2024. We are taking a measured approach for now, to test and evaluate how AI can be used to enhance the Olympic Games and have them future-ready,” Ilario Corna, IOC’s Chief Technology Officer, said.
Athletes and organizers will use several innovative solutions developed in the fields of AI, Internet of Things, 3D Printing and others as part of transformation, analysts at GlobalData said.
Innovation-powered sports and gaming companies have received nearly $6 billion in venture capital since 2020, according to GlobalData’s deals database.
“Some of these innovations such as breathable fabrics are widely adopted in the industry while others are picking up pace,” Sourabh Nyalkalkar, Practice Head of Innovation Products at GlobalData, said.
Innovation in sports and games is also driving acquisitions. Most notable being Lululemon’s acquisition of Curioser Products, better known as Mirror, in 2020 and Nike’s acquisition of Datalogue, a data and analytics company, in 2021.
Brands such as Nike, Lululemon, Adidas, Apple, Google, Fitbit and Garmin, among others, are using data and analytics on athletic performance to stay ahead.
TECHNOLOGY
For instance, athletic monitoring sensors will be impactful as these wearable sensors track athletes’ performance, physiology, and physical condition during activities. The data will provide real-time feedback to athletes and coaches, helping optimize training, improve performance, and prevent injuries.
AI-powered monitoring system is also designed to protect athletes from online abuse.
IOC says it is targeting half a billion social media posts during these Games. AI will be used to create highlights videos in multiple formats and languages. IOC is using AI to make the Olympic Games more sustainable, through data capture and energy management system.
IOC will use AI to monitor social media accounts and flag abusive messages for intervention by the relevant platforms.
“AI is opening up new ways for talent identification, and this project will be launched by us globally in 2025 to live up to the commitment we made that AI in sport must be accessible to everybody,” said Thomas Bach, IOC President.
NIKE
Nike has introduced 3D-printed footwear branded as Nike on Athlete-Imagined Revolution (A.I.R).
ADIDAS
Adidas has introduced a new range of breathable fabrics using microfiber technology.
INTEL
Intel says athletes can test drive a new chat service on the Athlete365 platform. The service is designed to provide quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions on topics such as social media guidelines, anti-doping rules, and Rule 50 regulations.
IOC is working with Intel for using the concept of digital twinning, or digital representations of venues so we can foresee, for example, where we would need power, where we would need to place cameras, and if there could be any accessibility issues – all without needing to be on site every time.
ATOS
Atos will coordinate 15 technology partners comprising over 2,000 experts to ensure the use of the best digital technology at Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
Olympic Broadcasting Services will use AI during Paris 2024 to improve internal workflows, enhance the viewer experience, enrich storytelling and better explain certain sports events.
ALIBABA
This includes collaborating with Alibaba to provide a number of multi-camera replay systems with AI-powered, high-quality reconstruction in the cloud, to create three-dimensional models and mapping of additional viewpoints across 21 sports and disciplines. This will deliver more compelling replays from more camera angles.
OMEGA
OMEGA will be the official timekeeper for the 31st time. OBS, working with OMEGA, will use AI to deliver data during the Olympic Games. Intelligent stroboscopic analysis across diving, athletics and artistic gymnastics will enable viewers to better understand the movements and biomechanics of the athletes.
OBS and OMEGA will use AI to generate enhanced data graphics in diving, providing data on each athlete’s performance in the air and when entering the water.
AI-based motion tracking technology will help commentators and viewers keep track of athletes’ positions during canoe sprint, marathon, race walks, cycling road, cycling mountain bike, marathon swimming, rowing, sailing and triathlon.
Automatic Highlights Generation will automatically compile key moments from 14 sports and disciplines into tailored highlights reels, based on Media Rights-Holders’ preferences, to personalise their content and further engage their digital and social media audiences.
DELOITTE
Deloitte is providing management and business consulting capabilities to deliver meaningful impact to the National Olympic Committees, fans, and athletes.
SAMSUNG
Samsung will equip Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones on each country’s boat during the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine by sharing on-board footage via a 5G network powered by Orange, the official mobile network provider of Paris 2024.
The energy consumption at Paris 2024 will be monitored in real time, and the captured data will be used to inform future planning.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
