Chinese AI technologies are making a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, particularly through innovations developed by tech giant Baidu. Their AI-based training system is helping the Chinese national diving team perfect their techniques and secure more gold medals.
Baidu’s AI system, described as having “sharp eyes and a strong brain,” captures intricate details of diving movements that traditional video systems miss.
It provides immediate feedback and real-time analysis, allowing athletes to refine their performances.
This system, built on Baidu’s Ernie Bot AI model, is seen as a key tool for athletes like Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi, who won the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform diving event.
AI Transforming the Paris Olympics
Dubbed the “first AI Olympics,” Paris 2024 is showcasing AI’s influence across various domains, from athlete training to broadcasting and even anti-doping measures.
AI is being used to create highlight videos, monitor social media to protect athletes from abuse, and optimize energy management systems. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), highlighted how AI is helping to make the Games more sustainable and to detect new athletic talent.
The market for AI in sports is projected to grow significantly, from $6 billion in 2024 to $21 billion by 2029, according to research from Mordor Intelligence.
Chinese Companies Leading AI Innovations
Chinese tech companies like Alibaba Cloud and SenseTime are leading the charge in AI development at the Olympics.
Alibaba Cloud’s “bullet time” multi-camera replay system offers cinematic slow-motion views, enhancing viewer experiences across 21 sports.
This system, which replaces traditional satellite methods, improves broadcasting workflows and reduces the carbon footprint of the Games.
SenseTime is providing AI-driven data analysis for the Chinese basketball teams, helping analyze player movements and optimize game strategies.
Their InnoMotion broadcasting solution, which uses 3D motion capture technology, is being applied to table tennis and archery events, offering viewers enhanced visuals.
Virtual Athletes and AI-Enhanced Equipment
iFlytek has introduced “virtual athletes” at the China House pavilion in Paris, showcasing AI versions of Chinese Olympians Zhang Yufei and Zou Jingyuan. These digital athletes can engage with visitors in multiple languages, powered by iFlytek’s advanced speech recognition and multilingual AI technologies.
Chinese innovations extend to equipment as well. A “smart” soccer ball embedded with AI chips is being used to improve refereeing decisions in handball and offside calls.
This technology, developed by Huaian Butyl Ltd, has been used in major events like the UEFA European Championship and the Paris Games.
AI’s Broader Impact on Sports
The use of AI at the Paris Olympics illustrates its potential to revolutionize sports, improving both athlete performance and viewer experiences.
Chinese companies are positioning themselves as global leaders in AI innovations, leveraging the Paris Olympics as a platform to showcase their technological advancements.
Wang Peng of the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences noted that these AI applications demonstrate China’s strengths in digital technology and innovation, enhancing the future of sports on a global scale.