Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology innovations are set to revolutionise aspects of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, with applications ranging from athlete safeguarding to enhanced broadcast experiences and efficient energy management.
In a pioneering move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the Olympic AI Agenda in April 2024, outlining the transformative impact AI could have on sports. Paris 2024 is serving as the debut stage for these advancements.
Safeguarding athletes and enhancing broadcasts
IOC President Thomas Bach emphasised the importance of AI in safeguarding athletes from cyber abuse during the Games, given the expected volume of social media activity. He said: “The IOC will use AI at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in different areas. A very important one is safeguarding from cyber abuse, since we expect about half a billion social media posts during these Games. AI will also be used to create highlights videos in multiple formats and languages during these Games. We are also using AI to make the Olympic Games more sustainable, through a very sophisticated first-ever data capture and energy management system. AI is also 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.”
Ilario Corna, the IOC’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “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.”
An AI-powered monitoring system designed to protect athletes from online abuse has been implemented by the IOC. This system monitors hundreds of thousands of social media accounts, flagging abusive messages for intervention. Additionally, a new chat service on the Athlete365 platform, developed in partnership with Intel, will provide athletes with quick answers to frequently asked questions on various topics, including social media guidelines, anti-doping rules, and Rule 50 regulations.
Efficient energy management and digital twinning
Behind the scenes, AI will play a crucial role in efficient energy management and planning. The energy consumption at Paris 2024 will be monitored in real-time, with data informing future planning.
Corna explained: “We started gathering various operational data as far back as 2020, to look at how we can make the management of the Olympic Games more efficient. For planning, we are now working with our Partner Intel 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. Using these digital twins of the Games venues, we can change the way we organise the Games.”
Atos, the Worldwide Information Technology Partner of the Olympic Movement, will coordinate a team of 15 technology partners comprising over 2,000 experts to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 fully connected, secure, and digitally enabled.
Innovations in broadcasting and engagement
Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) will utilise AI to enhance internal workflows, viewer experiences, storytelling, and sports event explanations. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of OBS, stated: “This includes collaborating with Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba to provide a record 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.”
Alibaba Cloud, in conjunction with OBS, launched OBS Cloud in 2018, supporting the broadcast coverage of Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. This Cloud-based system reduces the carbon footprint by transmitting Olympic Games-related content over the Cloud, offering an alternative to heavy investment for Media Rights-Holders and host cities.
As the Official Timekeeper for Paris 2024, OMEGA will collaborate with OBS to deliver faster, more relevant, and insightful data using AI. Intelligent stroboscopic analysis will enhance the understanding of athletes’ movements and biomechanics in diving, athletics, and artistic gymnastics. In diving, AI-generated enhanced data graphics will provide new insights into athletes’ performances. AI-based motion tracking technology will also assist commentators and viewers in tracking athletes’ positions in various events.
Intel, the Official AI Platform Partner for Paris 2024, will introduce innovative AI experiences to transform the Olympic experience for fans, organisers, athletes, and viewers worldwide. An Automatic Highlights Generation system will compile key moments from 14 sports into tailored highlight reels based on Media Rights-Holders’ preferences, personalising content and engaging digital and social media audiences. This system relies on AI models trained using Intel Geti AI software tools and content from the vast Olympic sports video archive.
A high-tech opening ceremony
Samsung, the official Wireless Communication and Computing Equipment Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, equipped Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones on each country’s boat during the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine. This technology offered a closer connection to the celebration by sharing on-board footage via an exclusive 5G network powered by Orange, the official mobile network provider of Paris 2024. This integration is also enhancing the Olympic sailing competition, bringing fans closer to the athletes and the action on the water.
The Olympic Games Paris 2024 promises to be a milestone event, showcasing the potential of AI and technology innovations to transform the way we experience and organise the Olympics.
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