As the world gears up for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the spotlight is on how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to revolutionize the event. With a focus on athlete safety, enhanced broadcasting, and sustainable practices, these innovations promise to redefine the Olympic experience.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced the Olympic AI Agenda, which outlines the transformative potential of AI in sports. “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,” states IOC President Thomas Bach. This initiative highlights the importance of protecting athletes from online threats while simultaneously enhancing viewer engagement through technology.
The IOC plans to deploy AI for creating highlight videos in various formats and languages, ensuring that fans worldwide have access to the most thrilling moments of the Games. Furthermore, the commitment to sustainability is evident through AI-driven energy management systems designed to optimize resource usage during the event.
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Ilario Corna, the IOC’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the cautious and evaluative approach being taken: “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.” This reflects a broader vision of making the Games more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Athletes will also benefit from AI technologies, particularly through a new chat service provided in partnership with Intel on the Athlete365 platform. This service aims to provide timely answers to athletes’ inquiries regarding social media guidelines and anti-doping rules, making their experience more streamlined and supported.
The behind-the-scenes application of AI is set to improve the operational aspects of the Games. By utilizing digital twins—virtual representations of the venues—planners can anticipate logistical needs, such as power requirements and camera placements, without the need for physical presence at every location. “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,” Corna explains.
The partnership between the IOC and technology leaders, including Alibaba and Intel, is pivotal in this transformation. Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) will leverage AI to enhance viewer experiences through improved internal workflows and enriched storytelling. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of OBS, notes, “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.”
Moreover, the integration of AI with broadcasting technology promises to deliver unprecedented viewing experiences. The OBS Cloud, launched by Alibaba Cloud, facilitates content transmission over the cloud, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the Games. This innovation underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility while enhancing the quality of broadcasts.
OMEGA, the Official Timekeeper, will also harness AI to provide deeper insights into athletes’ performances. By employing intelligent analysis techniques, OMEGA aims to enhance viewers’ understanding of the technical aspects of sports, especially in disciplines like diving and gymnastics.
As the Official AI Platform Partner for Paris 2024, Intel is set to introduce automatic highlights generation that compiles key moments across various sports into tailored reels. This feature, which utilizes sophisticated AI models, is designed to engage audiences and personalize content, aligning with the evolving digital landscape.
Finally, Samsung’s role as the official Wireless Communication and Computing Equipment Partner will further connect fans with the Games. Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones will be used during the Opening Ceremony to share real-time footage via a dedicated 5G network, enhancing the connection between athletes and fans like never before.
