Behind the Scenes at Paris 2024: The Tech Innovations Powering the Olympic Games

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are not just a showcase of athletic prowess but also a testament to the transformative power of technology. As the world converges to witness this grand event, Paris is setting new standards with a host of tech innovations enhancing both the athlete and spectator experience. Let's delve into some of the ground-breaking technologies currently being utilised at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

AI and Data Analytics: Powering Performance and Predictions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are at the forefront of the Paris 2024 Olympics. AI-powered systems are being used to analyse athlete performance in real-time, providing coaches with insights that can be the difference between winning and losing. These systems capture vast amounts of data, from biomechanics to heart rates, and process them instantly to offer actionable feedback. This technology not only aids athletes in improving their performance but also helps predict outcomes, making the games more exciting for fans.

AI is revolutionising talent detection and sports analysis. In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Senegal, Intel developed an AI platform aimed at spotting gifted athletes in remote areas. This AI tool leverages computer vision to analyse video from any camera-enabled device, allowing scouts to evaluate athletes without the need for expensive equipment. In Senegal, this technology has been implemented in six villages, where over 1,000 children were assessed, and 40 promising talents were identified. The AI-generated insights offer a detailed assessment of an athlete’s potential, ensuring that every noteworthy talent gets the recognition they deserve.

5G Connectivity: Enhancing Real-Time Interaction

Paris has rolled out 5G connectivity across all Olympic venues, ensuring seamless and instantaneous communication. This high-speed network supports a multitude of applications, from live streaming to augmented reality (AR) experiences. Spectators, both on-site and remote, can enjoy immersive experiences through AR glasses and apps, bringing them closer to the action than ever before. The 5G network also supports real-time data sharing among officials, broadcasters, and emergency services, ensuring a smooth and safe event.

Samsung, the official Wireless Communication and Computing Equipment Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, equipped each country’s boat with Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones during the Opening Ceremony on the River Seine. This allowed for real-time sharing of on-board footage via a 5G network powered by Orange, Paris 2024's official mobile network provider. Additionally, nearly 17,000 athletes and Olympic family members received the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition. This custom phone, featuring Galaxy AI, comes pre-loaded with 100GB of 5G data, unlimited public transport access, and exclusive Olympic apps to enhance their Games experience and connectivity in Paris.

Sustainability through Technology: The Green Olympics

Paris 2024 is setting new standards in sustainability by using technology to reduce its carbon footprint. It is the first city to host the Olympics without air conditioning in athletes' rooms, reflecting its commitment to delivering the greenest Games ever.

Smart grids and energy management systems are employed to optimise electricity usage across venues. Many stadiums feature solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring a large proportion of energy and water is sourced from renewables. Furthermore, electric, and autonomous vehicles are extensively used for transportation, cutting emissions and highlighting the future of urban mobility. Energy consumption at Paris 2024 will be tracked in real time, with the data used to guide future planning.

“We started gathering various operational data as far back as 2020, to look at how we can make the management of the Olympic Games more efficient,” explained IOC’s Chief Technology Officer, Ilario Corna.

Biometric Security: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

Security at the Olympics is a top priority, and Paris 2024 has implemented advanced biometric systems to safeguard participants and spectators. To enhance security, Paris and Olympic officials have opted for AI-supported surveillance. While facial recognition software is not used, body scanners are employed to identify unusual patterns and potential threats, ensuring a secure atmosphere without detracting from the fan experience.

Additionally, managing payments at the event is made easier with innovative solutions. Recognising that international currency transactions can be challenging; French supermarket Carrefour has partnered with payment terminal specialist Ingenico to introduce a cashless system. This biometric payment technology identifies customers by their palm vein patterns. To use this system, customers first register their vein pattern on a terminal and link it to their bank card. They can then make purchases by simply scanning their palm over the payment terminal.

Cloud Computing for Broadcasting:

Alibaba is innovating the broadcasting of the Paris Olympics by replacing traditional satellites with AI technology, aiming to reach billions of viewers across more than 200 countries. The company's co-founder has praised this development as a digital transformation for the “world’s largest and most complex sporting” event. In collaboration with the Olympic Broadcasting Service (OBS), Alibaba introduced OBS Cloud 3.0 for this year's Games in Paris. This platform leverages AI-driven cloud technology to enhance broadcasting with greater scalability, sustainability, and real-time workflow collaboration.

The cloud technology also supports multi-camera replay systems across 17 setups in 14 venues, covering 21 sports and disciplines from rugby sevens and badminton to track and field athletics and basketball. Footage is transmitted to the cloud, where Alibaba Cloud’s AI computing capabilities facilitate live spatial reconstruction and real-time 3D rendering. Selected highlights are then shared as replays through live or non-live feeds, with the entire process completed in just seconds before being integrated into the live broadcast.

Timekeeping Tech at the Olympics

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, OMEGA returns as the Official Timekeeper for the 31st time. Partnering with OMEGA, OBS has harnessed AI to provide faster, more relevant, and insightful data throughout the Games. To support this, OMEGA has transported 350 tonnes of equipment, deployed 550 official timekeepers and on-site professionals, and enlisted 900 trained volunteers to cover 32 sports.

OMEGA's Scan 'O' Vision Ultimate cameras, capable of capturing 40,000 images per second, are positioned at the finish lines to assist judges with race results by offering detailed views of close finishes. These cameras, equipped with AI-driven computer vision technology, track athletes and obstacles with precision, making them ideal for sports like volleyball and tennis. Additionally, intelligent stroboscopic analysis is used in diving, athletics, and artistic gymnastics to enhance viewers' understanding of athletes' movements and biomechanics. In diving, AI generates advanced data graphics to highlight athletes' performance mid-air and upon water entry. AI-based motion tracking technology also assists commentators and viewers in monitoring athletes' positions across various events, including canoe sprint, marathon, race walks, road cycling (road race and time trial), mountain biking, marathon swimming, rowing, sailing, and triathlon.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympics are a shining example of how technology can enhance our greatest global sporting event. From AI and 5G to sustainable innovations and immersive viewing experiences, these games are setting a new standard for future Olympics. As we watch the athletes push the limits of human potential, it's clear that technology is playing a crucial role in making this one of the most memorable and innovative Olympics to date.

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