As the world eagerly awaits the Paris 2024 Olympics, technology promises to play a more pivotal role than ever before. At the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, the world will witness amazing athletic performances as well as some seriously cool technological innovations.
Let’s dive into the tech wonders that make this year’s Games a must-watch event (not that it needs any extra hype!).
Cybersecurity: Protecting Athletes and Fans
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), cybersecurity is a top priority at the Games. IOC has launched an AI-driven initiative to keep athletes safe from online abuse. The technology will monitor athletes’ social media for hate comments, ensuring a safe digital environment. This real-time AI technology will detect and block hateful comments on social media, providing a secure atmosphere for everyone involved.
Key Figures
- AI-powered system monitoring thousands of accounts on all major social media platforms in 35+ languages in real time.
- Identified threats flagged and abusive messages addressed by relevant social media platforms, often before athletes see the abuse.
- Online monitoring system available for 15,000 athletes and 2,000 officials across the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Aims to support and promote athletes’ physical and mental health and well-being, allowing them to focus on competing.
Dr. Sherry Bennett, Chief Data and AI Scientist, TD SYNNEX, is particularly enthusiastic about this aspect:
“Innovative AI solutions at the Games will enhance experiences for athletes and spectators, showcasing the utility of these technologies. From AI-driven protection against online abuse to talent scouting, this year sets new standards in sports tech. While some have concerns about facial recognition, these systems can protect and manage the flow of people in real time. I’m excited about the personalized Olympic recaps and watching multiple events at once!”
Cybersecurity measures like these are just one example of how advanced technology is being utilized to enhance the overall experience and safety at the Games. The integration of AI not only ensures the well-being of athletes but also sets a precedent for future events.
“The athletes are at the heart of everything we do at the IOC,” said IOC President Thomas Bach following the announcement of the project. “I know that the athletes have a unique and valuable perspective on how the Games should be organized and on the issues that affect them while competing. I am therefore delighted that the Athletes’ Commission and Medical and Scientific Commission are responding to this feedback through initiatives like the AI system to protect athletes at Paris 2024 from online abuse.”
Talent Scouting: AI Identifying Future Stars
AI isn’t just for cybersecurity—it’s also helping scout the next big sports stars. Intel and Samsung have rolled out an AI-powered system at the Stade de France, enabling participants to test their athletic skills and receive recommendations on which Olympic sport they should pursue. This tech not only levels the playing field by identifying talent from all corners of the globe but also ensures a diverse and inclusive future for those wanting to take part in future Games.
Jackie Darling, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, TD SYNNEX, is excited about this inclusive approach:
“I’m excited about the enhanced technology at the Games, which connects us with every athlete, showcasing the strength of our differences. This tech allows spectators to feel connected to the athletes. With AI promoting parity and equal opportunities, there’s confidence in the competition.”
Digital Innovations: Bringing the Insights Closer to You
NBC’s Peacock is taking Olympic coverage to new heights with some awesome AI-driven features. Imagine getting your daily Olympic recap narrated by an AI-generated clone of the legendary Al Michaels. Yep, that’s happening! Plus, the “Peacock Live Actions” tool lets you choose your own viewing journey during live coverage, and the “Peacock Discovery Multiview” allows you to watch multiple events at once. Talk about a front-row seat to all the action!
Key Figures
- Nearly 7 million personalized variants of “Your Daily Olympic Recap on Peacock”.
- Streams pulled from 5,000 hours of live coverage from Paris.
- Up to 40 Olympic events happening concurrently each day.
Clay Davis, Vice President of Global Analytics & IoT, TD SYNNEX, highlights the significance of this advancement:
“With more than 3 billion viewers expected, the Olympics has a stage like no other event in the world. I’m excited for participants, fans, and television viewers to get a front-row seat to the positive impact AI can have on experiencing such a unique event.”
Green Games: Sustainable Tech Initiatives
Paris 2024 is not just about sports but also about setting new standards for sustainability. The organizing committee has taken significant strides to reduce the environmental impact of digital technology used during the Games. More than 70% of the equipment, from computers to televisions, will be leased, minimizing waste. Plus, 100% of the purchased equipment will have a second life through reconditioning or reuse.
Key Figures
- 70% of equipment leased.
- 100% of purchased equipment to be reconditioned or reused.
- Eco-design of public apps reduces carbon footprint significantly.
The Games have also ditched physical, paper tickets in favor of the Games Pass, a unique QR code system to give athletes, media, workers, spectators and local residents the proper access in and around Paris throughout the week. The Games Pass system is also engineered to boost physical safety, as each QR code is designated for certain safety zones.
Adam Rutstein, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability, TD SYNNEX, shares his excitement:
“I’m excited to see how technology, especially AI, will enhance the Olympics by unlocking valuable data and insights for athletes and spectators. I’m also interested in how AI will help minimize environmental impacts and drive resource reductions and operational efficiencies.”
By pooling resources and using high-carbon footprint equipment, Paris 2024 has managed to reduce the number of televisions and printers by 28% and 27% respectively. Smaller screen sizes and fitting out spaces with eco-friendly solutions are part of this green initiative.
A Glimpse into the Future: The AI Agenda
The IOC’s Olympic AI Agenda is all about using AI to complement, not replace, human performance. This strategy focuses on enhancing athlete support while keeping the heart and soul of sports alive. AI’s role in boosting cybersecurity, promoting gender parity, and providing equal opportunities worldwide is truly game-changing.
What’s Your Take on the Tech?
The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics aren’t just another sports event—they’re a showcase of how tech can enrich our lives while promoting sustainability and inclusivity. With all these innovative tech initiatives, the Games are set to deliver a secure, immersive, and unforgettable experience for everyone. So, mark your calendars, get hyped, and let’s celebrate the spirit of competition and technological brilliance that make this year’s Summer Games extraordinary!
The Games are going to be an epic blend of human potential and tech prowess, setting a new standard for future Games. Don’t miss out!
As you watch the Games, think about the incredible technology making it all possible. What technology are you most excited about?
TD SYNNEX is not affiliated with nor endorsed by the IOC. All mentions of the Olympic Properties are owned by the IOC and content within this article is meant solely for editorial and educational use.
