Step into an Athlete’s Shoes: Intel’s AI Makes Olympic Dreams a Reality

The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to be a showcase of technological innovation, thanks to Intel’s groundbreaking contributions. One of the most exciting features Intel is bringing to the games is a first-of-its-kind immersive AI experience designed to enhance fan engagement. This interactive experience allows visitors to simulate the journey of becoming an Olympic athlete, leveraging the power of advanced AI and computer vision technologies. But what exactly are the technologies behind this, and what makes this experience so special?

The Technology Behind the Experience

  • Intel® Gaudi® Accelerators

    Intel® Gaudi® accelerators are specialised processors designed to handle the intensive computations required for AI training and inference. These accelerators offer high performance and efficiency, making them ideal for tasks involving deep learning and neural networks. At the Paris Olympics, Gaudi® accelerators will be used to process the large volumes of data generated by the athletic drills in real-time, providing instant feedback to participants.

  • Intel® Xeon® Processors with Built-In AI Acceleration

    Intel® Xeon® processors are renowned for their robust performance in data centers and enterprise applications. The versions used in this AI experience come with built-in AI acceleration capabilities, which means they are optimised to handle AI workloads more efficiently. This includes support for Intel's Deep Learning Boost technology, which accelerates AI inference and training tasks, allowing for real-time analysis and decision-making.

  • Intel OpenVINO™

    OpenVINO™ (Open Visual Inference & Neural Network Optimisation) is a toolkit developed by Intel to optimise deep learning models and streamline their deployment. It enables the AI system to process data faster and more accurately, ensuring that the athletic drills and performance analysis are seamless and responsive.

Here's a Detailed Look at What This Experience Entails

  • Immersive Athletic Drills

    Fans on-site in Paris can participate in a variety of athletic drills. These drills are designed to mimic those performed by Olympic athletes, providing a hands-on, interactive experience. By engaging in these activities, fans get a taste of the rigorous training and skill required to compete at the highest levels of sport.

  • Real-Time Performance Analysis

    Using AI and computer vision, the system analyses each participant's performance in real-time. This analysis is made possible through the advanced computational capabilities of Intel's hardware and software. The AI system evaluates various performance metrics, such as speed, strength, and agility, providing immediate feedback and insights to the participants.

  • Personalised Sport Matching

    After analysing the performance, the AI system matches each participant's profile to an Olympic sport that best suits their abilities. This provides a personalised recommendation, making the experience unique and engaging for every participant. Fans can discover which sport they are naturally inclined towards, offering a deeper connection to the Olympic Games and a unique, memorable experience​​.

Benefits of the Experience

The immersive AI experience at the Paris Olympics offers several benefits:

  • Enhanced Engagement: Fans can actively participate in athletic drills, making their Olympic experience more interactive and engaging.

  • Personalised Feedback: The AI system provides real-time performance analysis and matches each participant to an Olympic sport that suits their abilities, offering a personalised and memorable experience.

  • Educational Value: Participants gain insights into their physical capabilities and the requirements of various sports, fostering a deeper appreciation for the athletes' skills and training.

Accessibility and Audience

This AI-powered experience is designed for all fans attending the Paris Olympics. Whether you are a casual visitor or a sports enthusiast, the interactive drills and personalised feedback offer something for everyone. The experience is inclusive and accessible, leveraging advanced technology to ensure that participants of all ages and abilities can take part.

Previous Innovations by Intel at the Olympics

Intel has a history of bringing cutting-edge technology to the Olympic Games. Here are a few notable innovations from previous events:

  • PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics: Intel introduced the world to the stunning Intel® Shooting Star™ drone display, creating mesmerising aerial light shows.

  • Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics: Intel showcased 3D athlete tracking and VR training, offering new ways for fans and athletes to engage with the games. They also enabled the first live broadcast over 5G, setting a new standard for live event streaming​.

The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be another milestone in the evolution of sports technology, with Intel leading the charge in AI-driven fan experiences. This immersive AI feature not only enhances the way fans interact with the games but also sets the stage for future innovations in the world of sports and entertainment.

Previous
Previous

A Tale of Two Consoles: The Neo Geo Pocket Colour and Sega Dreamcast

Next
Next

Strawberry Fields: The Push for Improved Reasoning in Generative AI Models