Paris Olympics 2024: Redefining Sporting Excellence with AI and IoT
IoT, AI, and digital innovations have significantly enhanced and modernized sports. These technologies have become indispensable from accurately tracking athlete performance to improving it and aiding officials in making precise calls to promote fair game.
As the Paris Olympics 2024 inches closer by the second, digitisation has played a pivotal role leading up to the event’s preparation.
It will continue to be integral in all phases of the games, showcasing the host nation’s prowess in leveraging cutting-edge solutions to create the most technologically advanced and connected sporting event.
The three focal points of tech evolution at the Paris Olympics 2024 are:
· Health
· Cybersecurity & Privacy
· Fan engagement
Through this article, let’s explore how IoT sensors and measurement devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other digital innovations introduced by the IOC and French Government promise to make the upcoming Paris Olympics a technological spectacle.
Safeguarding Athletes and Public Health with IoT Measurement Devices and Sensors
A sporting event of this magnitude exponentially increases the number of tourists visiting the hosting city Paris and the neighbouring cities. This adds to the risk of introduction and transmission of foreign bacteria.
Here’s how the authorities have tackled disease transmission in the iconic Siene.
Preventing E.Coli & Enterococci Transmission with IoT Devices
Paris, renowned as the city of love, captivates visitors with its architectural splendour, diverse populace, and iconic fashion scene. In times of heavy rainfall, its sewage system on rare occasions has overflown into water bodies. Thereby, posing a risk of transmitting E.Coli and Intestinal Enterococci.
The iconic River Seine has fallen victim to this issue in the past, resulting in the prohibition of swimming to prevent the spread of diseases.
The Solution — IoT Measurement Devices and Sensors
With the timely deployment of IoT measurement devices and sensors along the river, the water’s impurity levels are continuously monitored. By monitoring live alerts, local authorities can act swiftly and initiate countermeasures. This is made possible by the implementation of IoT.
The teamwork between technology and human intelligence has reinstated the iconic waterways, and Siene’s status on the event map for open-water swimming competitions at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The IoT devices, designed for easy installation, are versatile and adaptable to various locations without the need for specialized infrastructure. They can be deployed as floating units or affixed to specially designed rails, offering flexibility to meet the city’s operational needs.
Additionally, the IoT measurement sensors and devices play a pivotal role in running pilot tests of wastewater chemical disinfection with SIAAP (the sanitation authority of the Parisian agglomeration), assessing the effectiveness of the countermeasures in-situ.
Note: ‘In-situ’ has been defined as “in the place of origin or existing place”. This means, IoT measurement devices are placed in live situations for real-time monitoring of the water purity levels.
Fan Engagement: Train as an Olympic Athlete with AI
Digital Fan Engagement initiatives have recently been on the rise and Paris Olympics 2024 promises to present the most futuristic ideas yet.
Apps running AI algorithms to achieve computer vision and AI-powered 3D Athlete Tracking (3DAT) enables spectators to walk a mile in an athlete’s shoes. This interactive initiative is designed to analyze athletic drills and match each spectator’s fitness levels and physique to an Olympic Sport.
IoT Mobile Apps that assist in navigation around the Olympics venue and deliver personalized content based on spectators’ sports preferences have been touted to raise the standard of fan interaction in modern events!
Live streaming apps can rely on data collection features of IoT sensors and data analysis on the IoT Cloud to grab in-depth and real-time stats on their favourite.
Cybersecurity & Privacy: AI & IoT Secure Paris Olympics 2024
Modern problems require modern solutions. We have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of cyber-attacks and data breaches, endangering the privacy of humankind.
Given that venues and smart facilities for the Paris 2024 Olympics are considered potential hotspots for attacks, the IOC and IPC, supported by the French government, have introduced the following AI-driven countermeasures:
AI-Driven Surveillance Systems
Authorities have tested the effectiveness of AI software, powered by AI & ML algorithms, to analyze video streams from real-time video surveillance systems. This helps in identifying potential threats in public spaces.
The systems are trained to identify abnormal behaviour amongst fans and alert local police, firefighters, and public transport security agents.
However, there has been a backlash in its implementation due to the risk of privacy breaches. Companies delivering AI-driven surveillance systems claim to refrain from the use of algorithms meant for personal identification.
Hunting Down Online Abuse through AI Algorithms
Unfortunately, athletes are often subject to barrages of ridicule, abuse, and harassment across social media. This leaves a lasting impression on an athlete’s mental health.
As social media has become an integral part of our lives today, even for athletes, the AI system implemented by IOC detects, flags, alerts, and initiates countermeasures.
The system running on AI algorithms successfully monitors social media platforms, forums, and other online channels and flags inappropriate content. This allows the local bodies to act immediately.
The system proactively tracks down the content that promotes cyberbullying. Through notifications, athletes can seek immediate assistance as well.
Paris Olympics 2024: A Testing Ground for AI & IoT Solutions for a Better Tomorrow
The Paris Olympics 2024 is set to be a showcase of cutting-edge technology, proving how AI, IoT, and digital innovations can enhance every aspect of a major sporting event.
From ensuring the health and safety of athletes and visitors to providing a more engaging experience for fans and maintaining robust cybersecurity, these advancements demonstrate the transformative power of technology.
At the Paris Olympics, 5G will be utilised as a foundation to provide the best digital experience to spectators. This is welcome news to AI & IoT Innovators as their innovations can be enjoyed at lightning speed!
As the world watches, the Paris Olympics 2024 will highlight how smart solutions can tackle modern challenges, setting a new standard for future events. The innovations seen here will not only impact the games but also inspire cities globally to embrace technology for a better, more connected future.
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