We’re just months away from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where technology plays a crucial role.
The host broadcaster Olympic Broadcasting Services aims to deliver the “Games of a new era,” aligning with Paris 2024’s vision of “Games Wide Open.”
Paris 2024 will be produced in Ultra High Definition (UHD) High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive 5.1.4 audio, providing viewers with a lifelike experience that puts them in the midst of the excitement.
With over 11,000 hours of content and cutting-edge innovations, viewers will be immersed in the heart of the action like never before. Through cinematic lenses and live data, fans will witness athletes’ emotions and performances in unprecedented detail, enhancing their appreciation for the Games and helping bettors make informed decisions.
Behind the scenes at Paris 2024, OBS Live Cloud, powered by Alibaba’s global cloud infrastructure, will revolutionise live broadcast distribution. This cloud-based technology streamlines operations, allowing broadcasters to work remotely and reducing venue space and power requirements.
As the countdown to the Opening Ceremony on July 26 begins, OBS will further refine its production for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The preparation is also done around the constructions of the venue. Guided by cutting-edge technology, Paris is utilising a method called “digital twinning” to design and construct Olympic venues. This innovative approach allows for virtual modelling of the sites, facilitating faster and more efficient construction processes.
Powered by Intel technology and hardware, this digital twinning process not only aids in venue planning but also enables real-time updates accessible to athletes, fans, and planners alike via smartphones through the OnePath platform.
Pairing sports with tech
The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 set quite a benchmark when it comes to pairing technology with sports. The organiser’s partnership with Intel particularly enabled enjoyable tournament and accessible entertainment despite the pandemic restrictions.
Intel and Cisco provided reliable network coverage for everyone involved. AI tracked athletes’ movements and speeds for instant statistics. Virtual Reality (VR) training enhanced athletes’ skills affordably.
For diehard fans, the tech brought a treat of immersive VR experiences of events like gymnastics and beach volleyball from home. For those lucky enough to attend, NEC’s facial recognition tracked people at venues to allow pandemic measures.
The same goes this year as Orange’s teams are integral to supporting Paris 2024, providing operational services and enhancing connectivity for the event. Improving network coverage and capacity across venues is a significant challenge, but Orange is collaborating with the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee to strengthen mobile and fibre networks.
From filming to access control, all services will rely on Orange’s communications platform, ensuring smooth operations. The infrastructure deployed will be reused or transferred post-Games.
Teams, selected from across Orange, are led by telecom and events experts, emphasising teamwork and trusted relationships. Nearly 1,000 Orange employees will work full-time in Paris 2024, contributing their expertise to this historic event.
Utilising AI
AI was first used at the 2023 World Championships, aiding judges in reviewing routines for accuracy, as highlighted by MIT Tech Review.
There’s a debate on using AI to judge gymnastics. While AI enhances accuracy in catching technical elements, some fans worry it overlooks subjective aspects integral to the sport. Developers stress AI’s supportive role, not a replacement for judges.
The sporting world is not the only one in dilemma. A recent PwC insight shows CEOs integrating AI into operations, but with caution advised by Global Kinetic due to regulatory uncertainties.
The EU leads in AI regulations with the proposed AI Act in 2021. While 31 countries have their own AI laws and 13 more are discussing them, South Africa lacks specific regulations. However, it has strong IP and privacy laws and established the AI Institute of SA in 2022.
Privacy concerns were also raised. Paris is using AI to assist visitors during the Olympics, with over 3,000 RATP staff equipped with handheld devices translating French into 16 languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, and Korean.
Real-time cameras using AI will detect suspicious activity on Paris streets during the Olympics, but civil rights groups fear it threatens liberties, according to a BBC report.
The law allows CCTV algorithms to spot anomalies without facial recognition, yet concerns linger about its permanence post-Games. In Massy, AI monitors cameras and alerts police to potential threats, but humans make final decisions.
While developers stress legal compliance, activists argue AI surveillance undermines privacy and freedom, akin to China’s practices. Despite safeguards, doubts persist over the balance between security and individual rights.
