The First Ever 'AI Olympics'... Exploring AI Technologies Applied in the Olympics [Paris Olympics]

Introduction of Cameras, Monitoring, and Referee Assistance
Real-time Performance Analysis and Data Provision

Paris cityscape
Photo by AFP·Yonhap News

The 2024 Paris Olympics is expected to be recorded as the first Olympics to utilize artificial intelligence (AI). AI will be used for performance analysis, refereeing, and athlete protection. While some sports have previously incorporated AI, this is the first time AI will be integrated throughout the entire event operation at the Paris Olympics. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced the "Olympic AI Agenda" last April, declaring that "the IOC will actively embrace AI to lead change."

Monitoring 500 Million Posts... Removing Malicious Comments and ‘Protecting Athletes’

The IOC predicts that over 500 million related posts will be uploaded on online social networking services (SNS) during the Paris Olympics. In preparation, they plan to protect approximately 10,500 athletes participating in the Paris Olympics from 'online abuse.' Using AI programs, accounts of participating athletes and officials will be monitored in real-time in more than 35 languages, and malicious posts will be deleted upon detection. The AI monitoring system aims to help athletes focus solely on their competitions. This is the first time an AI monitoring system to protect athletes from online defamation will be officially introduced at the Olympics.

AI will also be used for refereeing. The IOC is considering introducing the 'AI Referee' JSS (Judging Support System) for gymnastics and other events. This technology analyzes the movements of fast-moving gymnasts to assess the accuracy of their motions and the number of rotations. Having been introduced at last year's World Championships in gymnastics, this technology is expected to enable fair and transparent evaluations.

AI will also be utilized for analyzing sports where data measurement is crucial. Omega is introducing AI-based 'computer vision technology.' This technology analyzes competitions in real-time and recreates the event process in three dimensions (3D). Measurement is possible using only optical sensors without attaching separate tags. Through this, the distance between the pole vaulter and the bar, the angle of a gymnast's foot, and the stroke speed of a swimmer are recorded. Athletes can closely examine their performance using the collected data.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics Modern Pentathlon Media Day, Jeon Woong-tae (right) and Seo Chang-wan are training in swimming.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

AI Casters for Game Commentary, Terrorism Surveillance ‘Multi-Angle Utilization’

NBC, the exclusive broadcaster of the Paris Olympics in the United States, will use AI for commentary. They have recreated the legendary Olympic caster Al Michaels' prime-time voice through AI learning. This will be used to create narration for the highlight content "Today's Olympic Summary" released on their online video service (OTT). They also plan to use AI to produce the videos. AI will analyze 5,000 hours of broadcast footage and edit it to produce up to 7 million customized videos.

French authorities will use AI cameras for terrorism surveillance during the Paris Olympics. AI cameras installed throughout the Olympic venues will detect eight types of situations in real-time, including suspicious behavior in crowds, weapon use, abandoned objects, and hazardous items, and alert the police. France has been conducting pilot operations at train stations, soccer stadiums, and other locations several months before the Olympics. While French authorities expect this to prevent terrorist incidents, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International criticize it, saying it may infringe on freedoms.

Additionally, Intel will provide a mobile phone AI navigation system that recognizes the interior of Olympic venues and guides visually impaired individuals with voice directions, and Samsung Electronics will operate an AI experience zone.

Meanwhile, the 33rd Paris Olympics will be held from the 26th of this month (local time) until the 11th of next month. During this period, 329 events across 32 sports will take place. A total of 10,500 athletes from 206 countries will participate, including 144 Korean athletes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.