With applications ranging from athlete safeguarding to enhanced broadcast experiences and efficient energy management, artificial intelligence (AI) and technology innovations are set to transform some aspects of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, paving the way for future editions.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the Olympic AI Agenda in April 2024, outlining the envisioned impact that AI can deliver for sport. The Paris Games will witness the first examples of implementation.
Thomas Bach, IOC President, highlighted the key areas where AI will be utilized at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. These include safeguarding against cyber abuse, creating highlight videos in multiple formats and languages, and implementing a sophisticated data capture and energy management system to enhance sustainability. The IOC also plans to use AI for talent identification, with a global project set to launch in 2025 to ensure that AI in sport is accessible to everyone.
The development of the Olympic AI Agenda was supported by Worldwide Olympic Partners Alibaba, Deloitte, Intel, and OMEGA, as well as Media Rights-Holders, including Warner Bros. Discovery and NBC. Ilario Corna, Chief Information Technology Officer at the IOC, emphasized the introduction of pioneering concepts at Paris 2024, with a measured approach to testing and evaluating AI applications to enhance the Games.
The AI-powered monitoring system designed to protect athletes from online abuse was announced earlier this year by the IOC. This system will monitor hundreds of thousands of social media accounts and flag abusive messages for intervention by the relevant platforms. Additionally, accredited athletes will have access to a new chat service provided in partnership with Intel on the Athlete365 platform. This service will offer quick answers to frequently asked questions on topics such as social media guidelines, anti-doping rules, and Rule 50 regulations.
Behind the scenes, AI will be used for more efficient planning of the Olympic Games. Real-time monitoring of energy consumption at Paris 2024 will provide data for future planning. The IOC has been gathering operational data since 2020 to improve the management of the Games. The concept of digital twinning, or creating digital representations of venues, is being used to plan for power needs, camera placements, and accessibility issues, all without needing to be on-site.
In collaboration with the IOC’s commercial and broadcast partners, AI will be used by Olympic Broadcasting Services to improve workflows, enhance viewer experiences, enrich storytelling, and better explain sports events. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, mentioned that they will collaborate with Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba to provide a record number of multi-camera replay systems with AI-powered, high-quality reconstruction in the cloud. This technology will create three-dimensional models and additional viewpoints across 21 sports and disciplines, delivering more compelling replays from multiple camera angles.
The implementation of OBS Cloud, launched by Alibaba Cloud in conjunction with OBS, provides an alternative to heavy investment for Media Rights-Holders and host cities. This cloud-based solution allows for the transmission of Olympic Games-related content, effectively reducing the carbon footprint.
High-tech Opening Ceremony
Samsung, the official Wireless Communication and Computing Equipment Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will equip Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones on each country’s boat during the historic Opening Ceremony on the River Seine. This technology will offer a closer connection with this first-of-its-kind celebration by sharing on-board footage via an exclusive 5G network powered by Orange, the official mobile network provider of Paris 2024. This integration will also be used during the Olympic sailing competition, bringing fans closer to the athletes and the action on the water.
| Area | Application | Partner/Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Athlete Safeguarding | Monitoring online abuse | IOC, various platforms |
| Broadcast Enhancement | Multi-camera replay systems | Alibaba, OBS Cloud |
| Energy Management | Real-time monitoring | Intel |
| Talent Identification | AI-based system | IOC |
| Digital Twinning | Venue planning | Intel |
The implementation of AI and technology at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 marks a step towards enhancing the overall experience for athletes, viewers, and organizers alike. From safeguarding athletes to delivering immersive broadcast experiences, these innovations showcase the potential of AI to transform future sporting events.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, set to begin on July 26th, will feature around 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries, setting a new standard for the Games and paving the way for future advancements in sport.
Featured Image courtesy of Olympics.com
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