The world has been reliant on Artificial intelligence for quite some time now. It is being used to improve technology and workspaces and even suit the needs of the specially-abled. Combined with the power of machine learning and natural language processing capabilities, corporations can significantly improve the lifestyle of people. While such tools have been handy for corporates, they are even more relevant in the sporting world. 

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have also adopted emerging technologies like AI and ML to reap their benefits and make the event a success. Tokyo has paved the way to host the smartest Olympics yet. There would be 11,000 athletes participating in the event from over 206 nations who would be competing in 33 different sports. Only locals would have the pleasure of watching the show live and over 4.5 million tickets have been reserved for them. Hosting the biggest sports event would not be easy. They need a sound infrastructure, streamlined accommodation schedule, easy transportation, and a waste management system all the while maintaining a tight level of security. 

Employing Facial Recognition on a massive scale 

Tokyo would be relying on the facial recognition system to tighten security for the first time in the history of the games. NEC would be using the system for the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo where an AI-based engine NeoFace would be used. NeoFace is actually a part of Bio-IDiom’s line of biometric authentication technology which would keep an eye on things and link photos with IC cards. Security is a key concern and requires the use of such innovative technology for crowd control and risk assessment at such a large scale. Japan could also use spot drones which would be equipped with facial recognition technology to scan the crowd from above. 

Easing movement within the stadium 

The International Olympic Committee and Toyota have partnered to develop AI-powered vehicles which would be deployed in the main stadium with sensors and cameras. It would broadly have two uses: one would be to guide fans with accessibility requirements. Another use would be to deliver equipment to athletes

Keeping a check on Athlete Health 

Health has been one of the biggest concerns this year as well as in the past year because of the pandemic. The top tech companies have come up with multiple AI-powered products to be used in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which would track an athlete’s performance on a real-time basis. Using AI and ML the tech would extract the 3D form of the athlete and create a 3D mesh which would in turn help coaches tap in the real-time biomechanical data and make decisions accordingly. 

Don't forget the Robots 

Robots have long since been part of Japan’s futuristic technology and it is safe to say that they would be involved throughout the games as well. The versatile tech would be used to greet the visitors keeping six feet distance in mind. The Haneda Robotics Lab robots would serve as multilingual airport guides as well as from the security point of view they would keep an eye on suspicious activity, and carry the luggage of the guests eliminating the need for contact. The AI-enabled chatbots would also be installed at major venues. 

Japan-based robot maker ZMP has also been called upon to develop automatic taxis which can be used for transporting passengers from Tokyo Station and to the Roppongi entertainment district, a 5.3km stretch. 

In the South Korean Winter Olympics of 2017 where the 47-inch humanoid robot HUBO broke the wall to hand the Olympic flame to designer Professor Oh Jun-ho in the opening ceremony. AI was used to make that possible and during the event, 85 other humanoid robots were also deployed with various responsibilities that included cleaning up the venue as well. This year we can expect Tokyo to continue the tradition. 

Even though the games were postponed by a year Japan has taken the time to be better prepared for the Olympics Games keeping in mind the pandemic and all the extra precautionary measures that would now need to be followed. They have even equipped High-speed internet at each venue so the audience can do almost everything from the seat like order food, view live stats and replays. AI will be driving the Olympics this season.

While Tokyo would witness the Games live, the rest of the world would have to rely on live Olympic data to quench their thirst. Data Sports Group for this exact purpose has launched Olympic API that would provide comprehensive coverage of all the Olympic sports with live coverage on 18 sports events. Get access to live blogs, robust editorials, and live medal tables to engage your audience. Integrate the content solution with live 2020 Olympics coverage directly into your platform using either API, Customizable Widget, or a hosted solution where all the services are bundled together for ease.