Intel Extends AI Innovation to Paris 2024 Paralympics after Olympic Success
The recently concluded Olympic Games and the recently started Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are both benefiting from several new artificial intelligence technologies aimed at enhancing experiences for athletes, spectators, and organisers. These innovations include AI-powered systems for managing logistics, volumetric 3D video capabilities for immersive viewing, and interactive experiences allowing fans to virtually try Olympic and Paralympic sports.
A notable application is in talent identification, where AI solutions are being used to detect new athletic potential, benefiting athletes and coaches. In broadcasting, Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS) has utilised AI technology to automate global television editing. This system analyses cues such as crowd noise, on-screen statistics, and athlete movements to automatically select the most relevant footage, enabling faster post-production and more tailored coverage, especially beneficial for smaller broadcasters.
These technologies, introduced by Intel, the official worldwide AI platform partner, are being used to streamline operations and provide novel ways for people to engage with both the Olympic and Paralympic events.
Recognising the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in navigating unfamiliar and crowded environments, Intel is taking a significant step towards making the Olympic and Paralympic experience more inclusive for visually impaired or low vision individual by introducing an innovative AI-powered wayfinding smartphone app for the event. It harnesses Intel's Xeon processors and Intel's OpenVINO technology to create a virtual replica of Olympic venues using LiDAR-collected data and computer vision AI models. The app provides voice-guided navigation that adapts in real-time to environmental changes, it enables users to navigate complex spaces with ease. The technology has already been successfully implemented at key locations such as the International Paralympic Committee HQ in Bonn and Team USA's training center in Paris. "By providing voice-guided navigation, the solution enables users to invest their time in what really matters - their experience - by simplifying the navigation process at the Games." said Sarah Vickers, Head of Intel's Olympics and Paralympics Games Program, in an exclusive interview with tech360tv.
However, the use of AI technologies at high-profile global events such as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games raises concerns about privacy and data security. Critics also point to broader issues surrounding these technologies, including the vast scale of data collection, lack of transparency in how this data is used, the possibility of security breaches, and the risk of biases within AI algorithms. These concerns highlight the need for robust safeguards and clear guidelines to ensure that the benefits of AI integration do not come at the cost of individual privacy and data protection.
Recognising the growing concerns surrounding privacy and data security at major sporting events, Intel has stepped up to address these challenges at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The tech giant has developed an innovative AI-powered solution using stereoscopic sensors that, unlike traditional cameras, do not record images. This groundbreaking approach aims to balance the need for efficient event management with stringent privacy protection. Working closely with authorities such as CNIL, Intel has ensured its AI technologies fully comply with data privacy regulations. The system will assist the International Olympic Committee in optimising logistics for accredited staff and athletes. Officials anticipate this technology will significantly enhance efficiency in the Olympic Village and at competition sites, potentially reducing wait times and improving navigation.
Intel also highlighted that deploying AI solutions for an event of this magnitude involves overcoming significant hurdles in scalability and accessibility. These challenges include designing systems capable of efficiently processing the enormous volume of data generated during the Olympics, from ticket sales and crowd management to live streaming. "Scalability involves designing AI systems that can efficiently handle the enormous volume of data generated during the event, such as ticket sales, crowd management, and live streaming. This necessitates a robust infrastructure that can expand to meet peak demands without compromising performance. At the same time, accessibility is crucial as the technology must be usable and effective across a diverse range of environments and for a wide audience, including attendees, organisers, and fans around the world." explains Sarah. A prime example of Intel's innovative problem-solving is its wayfinding technology, which offers a scalable solution adaptable to large public venues like airports, train stations, and sports arenas. This technology is designed to maintain consistent functionality and user-friendliness, regardless of the environment's scale or complexity.
AI enhancing Paris 2024 Olympics/Paralympics for all participants.
Intel's AI app aids visually impaired navigation at venues.
AI used for athlete talent identification and automated TV editing.
Privacy and data security concerns raised with AI implementation.
Intel develops privacy-conscious AI solution using non-recording sensors.