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The Olympic Games Paris 2024 are set to redefine the landscape of international sports through groundbreaking applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology. From athlete safeguarding to immersive broadcast experiences and streamlined energy management, AI-driven innovations will transform numerous aspects of the Games, setting the stage for future iterations.
The Olympic AI Agenda: A Visionary Initiative
In April 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unveiled the Olympic AI Agenda, a comprehensive strategy aimed at leveraging AI to enhance sports. Paris 2024 will be the first occasion where these initiatives come to life.
Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, highlighted, “AI will play a pivotal role in various domains at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. One crucial area is the safeguarding of athletes from cyber abuse, as we anticipate around half a billion social media posts during the Games. AI will also generate multi-format, multilingual highlight videos and drive sustainability through an innovative data capture and energy management system. Furthermore, AI is opening up new avenues for talent identification, with a global project launch slated for 2025 to democratize access to AI in sports.”
The creation of the Olympic AI Agenda was supported by global Olympic partners such as Alibaba, Deloitte, Intel, and OMEGA, alongside media rights holders including Warner Bros. Discovery and NBC.
Ilario Corna, IOC’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, “Paris 2024 will showcase pioneering AI concepts. We are adopting a measured approach to test and evaluate how AI can enhance and future-proof the Olympic Games.”
Athlete Protection and Enhanced Support
An AI-powered monitoring system designed to shield athletes from online abuse will be a centerpiece at Paris 2024. The system will scrutinize hundreds of thousands of social media accounts and flag abusive content for intervention by relevant platforms.
Corna further elaborated on athlete support, noting that “accredited athletes will have access to a new chat service via the Athlete365 platform, developed in partnership with Intel. This service will provide prompt responses to FAQs on social media guidelines, anti-doping rules, and Rule 50 regulations.”
Efficient Planning Through Digital Twinning
AI applications will also revolutionize behind-the-scenes operations, paving the way for more efficient future planning of the Olympic Games. Real-time monitoring of energy consumption at Paris 2024 will inform future strategies.
Corna explained, “We began collecting operational data in 2020 to enhance the management of the Games. We are now working with Intel to implement digital twinning—creating digital representations of venues. This allows us to predict energy needs, camera placements, and address potential accessibility issues, all without needing to be on-site. These digital twins will fundamentally change how we organize the Games.”
The Olympic Movement’s Worldwide IT Partner, Atos, will coordinate a team of 15 technology partners, involving over 2,000 experts, to ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are fully connected, secure, and digitally enabled.
Transformative Broadcasting and Engagement
AI will also significantly enhance broadcasting and viewer engagement. Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) plans to collaborate with Olympic partners to improve workflows, enrich storytelling, and better explain sports events.
Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of OBS, explained, “In partnership with Alibaba, we will deploy multi-camera replay systems with AI-powered, high-quality reconstruction in the cloud. This will generate three-dimensional models and additional viewpoints, delivering compelling replays from more camera angles across 21 sports.”
The OBS Cloud, launched by Alibaba Cloud in 2018, supports broadcasters by reducing the need for heavy investments. It allows Olympic content to be transmitted over the cloud, effectively minimizing the carbon footprint.
High-Tech Opening Ceremony and AI-Powered Timekeeping
The 31st-time official timekeeper, OMEGA, will leverage AI to deliver faster and more insightful data. Intelligent stroboscopic analysis in diving, athletics, and artistic gymnastics will help viewers understand athlete movements and biomechanics better. AI-based motion tracking will aid commentators and viewers in tracking athletes’ positions in events like canoe sprint, marathon, and cycling.
As the Official AI Platform Partner for Paris 2024, Intel will introduce innovations such as Automatic Highlights Generation, which will compile key moments from 14 sports based on media rights holders’ preferences. This AI-driven feature will enhance digital and social media engagement by personalizing content.
Samsung, the official Wireless Communication and Computing Equipment Partner, will equip Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones on each country’s boat during the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine, offering a closer connection to this historic event via an exclusive 5G network powered by Orange.
Conclusion
Paris 2024 represents a significant leap in integrating AI and advanced technologies into the Olympic Games. With these groundbreaking innovations, the IOC not only aims to enhance the current edition but also set new standards for future Games, ensuring a more connected, sustainable, and engaging experience for athletes and audiences worldwide.
For more insights on AI innovations and technology advancements at the Olympic Games, stay tuned to BawabaAI !
Source: Olympics official Website
