When the 2020 Olympic Games came to Tokyo a year later than planned due to the coronavirus pandemic, more than 11,000 athletes from 200 countries competed in 42 venues and 41 sports. As a result of the lack of viewers due to the postponement and the restrictions of the pandemic regulations, it was distinguished from previous games by its artificial intelligence technologies: bots, wearable sensors, the wide application of machine learning, as well as the amount of data available for audience analysis and processing.
Photo: Karoly Orfai/National Sport
The change is well illustrated by the fact that the Tokyo Games song was acquired with the help of artificial intelligence, while a drone equipped with 1,800 LEDs and a real-time GPS were used for the complex geometric shapes placed above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony. The four main areas of application of AI were competitions, audience reach, regulation, and business use.
MI during competitions: supporting performance
Wearable devices such as smart insoles and sensors, as well as equipment with embedded chips, can track player data during training and matches, helping coaching staff make decisions about the next play or predict the other team’s play. Among other things, the devices are used to measure heart rate and movement, so they can recommend customized solutions for training, rest and nutrition. AI technologies are also shaping the way sports doctors and physiotherapists work to prevent injuries and help players recover faster. With the help of artificial intelligence, it becomes possible to test athletes physically, to detect early signs of injuries caused by fatigue or stress.
The big question is whether AI technology gives an unfair advantage to countries rich enough to afford it, and ultimately leads to the inequality that crowds out developing countries. Olympic organizers must find a framework to regulate the technology, as they did with performance-enhancing steroids.
AI must be reliable and fair from the perspective of both athletes and fans
– he points out Gábor Hosszu, Director of the Technology, Media and Communications Consulting Business at Deloitte.
MI for a compelling viewing experience
3D Athlete Tracking (3DAT), a technology first used in track and field in the United States, uses cameras with artificial intelligence and computer vision to display near-real-time data to spectators during competition. It also provides a biomechanical analysis of the athletes’ pace, who is in front, and the distance covered and remaining. All of these are displayed on screen during the race and during replays.
For the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, the developers are planning more innovations in timing, scoring, motion sensors, and positioning systems.
Behind-the-scenes AI support
Athletes, staff, coaches, and mediators were greeted at the airport by AI-controlled robots upon their arrival in Tokyo, and helped with baggage, translation, and orientation.
Autonomous vehicles controlled by artificial intelligence have transported athletes and officials to stadiums, and artificial intelligence has also been used to deliver equipment to athletes at large competition venues. Face recognition of athletes, volunteers, media workers and employees entering accommodation and venues has been done by AI technology, increasing security. Spectator information, management and smart ticketing are likely to become commonplace in sports facilities.
Photo: Tamás Kovács/MTI
Maximize advertising revenue
Artificial intelligence tools have also been used to increase the viewership of the Tokyo Olympics, and this can also be attributed to the fact that advertising sites are expensive,
Sold for more than $1.2 billion.
NBC Universal has supported advertisers in delivering targeted messages for maximum impact. Language processing tools used speech and text recognition to gather information about the audience’s mood, and machine systems then processed this information.
“Sports fans who follow the Olympic Games and other major sporting events live can enjoy all the convenience and security features offered by the new technology. These include digital wallets, contactless food ordering and delivery options, or the introduction of facial recognition.”
All the AI-based statistics and analytics received via TV, smart device and smart camera systems make broadcasting an increasingly exciting experience.
– explained Csilla Gercsák, Director of Technology, Media and Communications Consulting Business at Deloitte.
