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, setting out the envisioned impact that AI can deliver for sport. The Paris Games will witness the first examples of implementation.
Safeguarding and Sustainability
The IOC will employ AI at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 across various areas. A significant focus is on safeguarding athletes from cyber abuse, with expectations of about half a billion social media posts during the Games. AI will monitor these posts and flag abusive content for intervention. Additionally, AI will be used to create highlight videos in multiple formats and languages, enhancing the viewing experience.
To promote sustainability, the Games will feature an advanced data capture and energy management system. This system will monitor energy consumption in real time, informing future planning to make the management of the Olympic Games more efficient. This initiative aligns with the IOC’s commitment to making AI in sports accessible to everyone globally by 2025.
Athlete-Centric Innovations
AI-powered monitoring systems will protect athletes from online abuse, while a new chat service on the Athlete365 platform will assist athletes with frequently asked questions about social media guidelines, anti-doping rules, and other regulations. This service, developed in partnership with Intel, aims to provide quick and easy access to essential information.
Efficient Planning with Digital Twinning
Behind the scenes, AI will facilitate more efficient planning through digital twinning. This technology creates digital representations of venues, allowing planners to foresee requirements for power, camera placements, and accessibility issues without needing to be on-site. This innovative approach will help change the way the Games are organized.
Enhanced Broadcast and Viewer Engagement
AI will play a crucial role in enhancing broadcast experiences. Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), in collaboration with Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba, will implement multi-camera replay systems with AI-powered, high-quality reconstruction in the cloud. This will create three-dimensional models and additional viewpoints across 21 sports, providing more compelling replays.
AI will also support intelligent stroboscopic analysis in diving, athletics, and artistic gymnastics, enabling viewers to better understand athletes’ movements and biomechanics. Additionally, AI-based motion tracking will help commentators and viewers track athletes’ positions in various sports, including canoe sprint, marathon, and cycling.
Automatic Highlights Generation
Intel, as the Official AI Platform Partner for Paris 2024, will introduce Automatic Highlights Generation. This feature will compile key moments from 14 sports into tailored highlights reels, enhancing digital and social media engagement. The AI models for this feature have been trained using Intel Geti AI software tools with content from the Olympic sports video archive.
High-Tech Opening Ceremony
Samsung will enhance the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine with Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones equipped on each country’s boat. This initiative, supported by an exclusive 5G network powered by Orange, will offer a closer connection with the celebration by sharing on-board footage. This technology will also be used during the Olympic sailing competition, bringing fans closer to the action.
For more details, read the full Olympic AI Agenda.
