Tokyo Olympics 2020: How technology is enhancing this year’s sports showpiece
Tokyo Olympics 2020: How technology is enhancing this year’s sports showpiece
Long before the Covid-19 outbreak, preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were already underway. Japan, on the other hand, stepped up its game to meet the challenge, and it's no secret that they've made significant technological advancements.
The challenge of making up for lost time following the game's year-long postponement due to the Covid outbreak cost the organizers an additional $19.83 billion.
As a result, it's unsurprising that the organizers insisted on continuing the games despite repeated calls for their postponement, if not cancellation, due to the epidemic of Covid-19 infections. Indeed, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus encouraged its continuation, stating that it is a celebration of something the world desperately needs now more than ever: hope.
Yiannis Exarchos, the chief executive of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), the International Olympic Committee's broadcast arm, stated in an interview published in the Olympic media guide that pandemic-related restrictions forced his organization to "think outside the box" and consider "new and innovative solutions."
“As a result of the advancements we are making, these Games will be a watershed moment for OBS. The 2018 Olympic Games will be the first to be broadcast entirely in Ultra High Definition High Dynamic Range (UHD HDR).”
The objective, he explained, was to convince people all over the world that they were on the verge of touching the drama unfolding before their eyes.
So what are the technologies setting the Tokyo Olympics apart?
Robot Projects
One of the new technologies introduced to this year's games is the robot project. It entails the use of robots to assist humans while also promoting the use of robots in general.
Numerous robots, primarily mascot-style robots, have been deployed. These robots greet athletes and spectators by bowing, waving, and making facial expressions via a screen on their foreheads.
Self-driving cars
Another impressive piece of technology is the widely available self-driving cars. The vehicles, dubbed e-Palettes, were donated by Toyota, the Olympics' official sponsor. They will roam freely, ferrying athletes and pedestrians alike, including those in wheelchairs.
Initially launched in 2018, each e-Palette is capable of transporting up to 20 passengers but only four wheelchair users. It is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs that provide a range of approximately 150 kilometers per unit.
The vehicles are controlled remotely from a control center, avoiding as much contact as possible with local drivers.
Immersive Viewing Experience
The Tokyo Games will be the first to broadcast in 4k HDR, delivering unprecedented video quality. The term "4k" refers to the screen resolution, while HDR refers to the color range between the lightest and darkest tones in an image.
This ensures that viewers receive the most accurate representation of what they are watching. When HDR is used properly, you can see the texture of the brick on a dark street or the subtle changes in the white clouds in a daytime sky.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology was introduced in 2016, and since then, every television launched has included HDR support for improved viewing.
The purpose of this technology is to make spectators who are not present during the game feel as if they are. Several technologies are used to accomplish this, including the following:
3D Athlete Tracking Technology
Developed by Intel, this technology aims to enhance each athlete's experience. 3D athlete tracking, which utilizes artificial intelligence and multiple high-resolution cameras, enables the tracking of an athlete's complete movement while providing all pertinent information, from the athlete's position to their speed.
The data collected by the 3DAT provides insight into the skeletal structure, speed, and strength of various athletes, which assists coaches and athletes in developing training regimens that are as efficient as possible.
Viewers can also participate in the action and predict certain outcomes with this technology because they will be fully informed about the athletes' performance.
Make the Beat Project
"Make the Beat" is a simple musical project that spectators can dance, clap, or stomp to as they cheer on athletes in venues or on Live sites throughout the Games.
The Tokyo 2020 Mascots, Maraitowa and Someity, created the dance routines. The beat also incorporates sounds and technology into social media by inviting fans to cheer on the athletes via the official #Tokyo2020 hashtag.
The great thing about the project is that you can participate regardless of where you are by creating a video of yourself following the dance rhythm and then sharing it on any of your favorite social media platforms using the Olympic-themed hashtags.
The Alibaba Cloud solution will collect social media posts and display them on the venues' and Live Sites' large screens.
True VR
Another Intel technology, this year's True VR is an advancement over the version demonstrated at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
True VR utilizes a wearable headset to create virtual reality and provides an immersive experience of the Games' events, from the opening ceremony to gymnastics, beach volleyball, and track and field.
This technology will not be used exclusively by spectators; on-site managers at the Games will also receive training using this technology. They can provide real-world experience in dealing with a variety of situations ranging from athlete influx to media and national delegations.
Wearable Technology
This year's Games also saw the introduction of wearable technology, such as the Kenyan Women Volleyball team's wristband, which monitors heart rate, player strength, and other vital statistics in order to help prevent injuries and facilitate the development of the optimal training style for each player.
Moreover, wearables from sports brands such as China's Anta 3D printed shoes for the Chinese boxing team offer improved protection and fit. Speedo also debuted two new "tech race" swimsuits in its Fastskin line just prior to the Games. The swimsuits were inspired by sharkskin and are designed to assist swimmers in reducing drag in the water.
These wearables are used to gain additional insight into athletes' performance and to monitor their well-being, as more organizations place a premium on athletes' health.
Security and Prevention of Covid-19
NEC NeoFace: This technology is a facial recognition system that captures, enhances, organizes, and matches videos and graphics to individuals.
It combines photo data from an identification card with a unique camera-equipped kiosk to assist in quickly identifying people, thereby reducing congestion and facilitating movement.
This technology is extremely beneficial, particularly in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, as it aids in crowding reduction. Artificial intelligence-based rapid identification enables easy movement for quick entry and exit.
In addition, it aids the security system by providing the most accurate capability regardless of age, low light, or facial angle.
Conclusion
These technological advancements have not been without controversy and scrutiny, with some being dubbed 'Technological Doping' by critics. Their primary argument is that they may result in athletes becoming overly reliant on these new technologies, which have significantly improved their performance.
However, whether it results in over-reliance or not, we can say that this technology will benefit not only sports but also society in general, as it will undoubtedly improve life.
This futuristic Olympics will be unlike any other. All future major athletic events will be measured against the example set by Tokyo. By incorporating technological advancements, athletes can improve their performance and attract a larger audience.
