Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer in many areas of our lives, and its presence at the Paris 2024 Olympics is no exception. From identifying future Olympians to providing real-time assistance to athletes, AI is enhancing the Olympic experience in remarkable ways.
Discovering Future Olympians with AI
One of the most exciting AI innovations at the Paris 2024 Olympics is Intel’s AI technology, showcased at the Stade de France. This technology evaluates spectators to determine which sports their physiques are best suited for. Participants undergo various physical tests, including running, squeezing devices for strength, and testing reaction times with flashing lights.
This interactive experience not only entertains but also serves a bigger purpose. Intel’s AI gathers and analyzes data to identify the participant’s strengths and weaknesses across 12 different sports, such as football, sprinting, and table tennis. This same technology was trialed in Senegal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where it evaluated over 1,000 young athletes, identifying 48 high performers for advanced training programs.
Sarah Vickers, Head of Intel’s Olympic and Paralympic Office, highlights the potential of this technology: “It can identify athletes in all corners of the world at a very low cost, creating more opportunities for talent discovery globally.”
AI Chatbots: Easing the Olympic Journey for Athletes
AI is not only shaping the future of sports talent but also enhancing the current athletes’ Olympic experience. Intel has developed a chatbot designed to assist athletes with a variety of logistical questions, such as navigating Paris, finding dining options, and managing family accreditations. This real-time assistance allows athletes to focus more on their performance rather than administrative tasks.
Vickers notes, “We’ve received positive feedback from athletes who appreciate how the chatbot alleviates logistical burdens, letting them concentrate on their events.”
Protecting Athletes with AI-Powered Tools
Beyond logistical support, AI is also being used to protect athletes from online abuse. The IOC has implemented an AI-driven tool to monitor social media platforms, flagging abusive messages and gathering data to understand and combat online harassment. This initiative aims to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for athletes during the Games and beyond.
Enhancing Spectator Experience with AI
AI is also transforming how spectators engage with the Olympics. The Automatic Highlights Generation system by Intel uses AI to create highlight reels from live footage, making it easier for broadcasters to share key moments with audiences. NBC’s Peacock app is leveraging this technology to provide personalized 10-minute highlight playlists, catering to individual user preferences. They even use AI to recreate the iconic voice of sports broadcaster Al Michaels, adding a nostalgic touch to the viewing experience.
Moreover, Omega’s AI-powered tools ensure precise timekeeping for events like athletics and diving. These tools use stroboscopic technology to monitor and track athletes’ movements accurately, guaranteeing fair and accurate results.
Conclusion
The integration of AI at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcases the transformative potential of technology in sports. From discovering the next generation of Olympians to providing real-time support and ensuring accurate event coverage, AI is revolutionizing every aspect of the Olympic Games. As AI continues to evolve, its role in enhancing the Olympic experience—for athletes and spectators alike—will only become more significant.
