As the Olympic flame ignites over the Seine River, the world sets its sights once again on the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. This year's Games promise to be more than just a showcase of athletic prowess; they will be a celebration of technology. The widespread integration of AI technologies illuminates the sporting event like never before.
On April 19, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially launched the "Olympic AI Agenda" in London. IOC President Thomas Bach asserted, "We must be leaders of change, not victims of it," emphasizing the need to harness AI's potential for a more open, green, secure, and experiential Olympic Games. At the 2024 China AI Grand Ceremony, Bach asserted that Chinese AI will elevate the cloud broadcasting of the Paris Olympics to new heights.
AI-Enhanced Training: Elevating Competitive Performance
One of the most striking applications of AI is in training assistance. Chinese companies have made a significant impact at the Paris Olympics. Baidu has partnered with the Chinese national diving team, utilizing advanced large model technologies such as Wenxin Yiyuan to upgrade their AI-assisted training systems. This initiative enhances the divers’ knowledge base and provides tailored training plans through real-time scoring and quantitative analysis. The Baidu AI diving training system has proven its efficacy in major competitions like the Tokyo Olympics, Fukuoka World Championships, and Hangzhou Asian Games, positioning the diving team for continued success.
In collaboration with the Chinese national basketball team, SenseTime has developed advanced AI basketball analytics products using their SenseNova 5.5 model. This platform employs three-dimensional modeling and 3D motion capture algorithms to deliver real-time, precise analysis of athletes' movements and basketball trajectories. It not only supports coaches with robust data but also optimizes their training strategies, creating a more equitable playing field by making talent identification more systematic. Bach noted, "AI can help us discover athletes and talent in every corner of the world."
Cloud Broadcasting: A New Era for Viewers
As the official global cloud service provider for the Olympics, Alibaba Cloud is pioneering a shift to cloud broadcasting. Over two-thirds of live signals will be transmitted via their Olympic broadcasting cloud, reaching every part of the globe. This marks the first time cloud broadcasting has surpassed satellite transmission as the primary method of coverage. Additionally, Alibaba Cloud offers an array of immersive services, including virtual and augmented reality live streams, 360-degree production effects, digital human broadcasts, and AI color restoration for black-and-white footage. Multi-camera replay technology will enhance broadcasts of events like table tennis, basketball, and athletics, providing a cinematic experience with features resembling "bullet time" from science fiction films.
Smart Security: Ensuring Safety at Every Leap
Safety is a paramount concern for every sporting event. This year's Olympic Games will employ AI algorithms to analyze images from surveillance cameras and drones, detecting potential security risks. Compared to traditional monitoring methods, AI provides continuous 24/7 analysis of video streams, significantly reducing burdens on security personnel and minimizing human error. This technology acts as an tireless "electronic eye" safeguarding the Games.
In the digital landscape, cybersecurity is equally critical. An AI-driven monitoring system will oversee social media in real time, identifying and flagging content that suggests online intimidation or harassment, thus creating a safer environment for athletes and officials to focus on their performances without the threat of online violence.
AI Chatbots: Bridging Language Barriers
With more than 1,000 athletes from over 200 countries converging in Paris, language barriers are addressed by the innovative AI assistant, AthleteGPT. Available on the "Athlete365" mobile app, this virtual assistant will help athletes navigate questions like directions to the stadium, live stream availability of the opening ceremony, and more. Developed by Mistral AI in Paris, this chatbot leverages Intel’s Gaudi processor technology, making it a robust tool equipped to provide support in six languages.
The application of AI in the Olympics has evolved significantly since the relatively subdued role it played in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games. Now, amidst the excitement of the Paris Olympics, AI is omnipresent, illustrating the rapid technological advancements transforming the sporting world.
Enhanced Commentary and Officiating: Insights from the Field
The IOC and the Paris Organizing Committee have selected Alibaba Tongyi as the AI technology provider for the Games, enhancing commentary capabilities. Commentators will leverage AI to deliver deeper analysis and richer insights during events. AI is already supporting decision-making in sports like football, gathering data through cameras on and off the field. While not yet widespread across all sports, AI's capacity for real-time data analysis is advancing in officiating.
During the football tournament, semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) from Tracab will be employed, utilizing advanced cameras and AI algorithms to instantly detect offside positions while providing precise location data for video assistant referees (VAR). Additionally, the official football for the Games, supplied by a company from Huai'an, Jiangsu, is equipped with a chip that can recognize plays 500 times per second. This technology enhances the accuracy and transparency of calls, especially regarding handballs and offside decisions.
As the Olympic flame lights up the Seine, the world gears up for the Paris Olympics. The infusion of AI technology promises to make this celebration of sports even smarter and more spectacular. Are you ready to witness the endless possibilities that emerge when technology and sports intersect?
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