Paris 2024: AI and technology take centre stage

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics set to open July 26, will highlight the integration of AI and cutting-edge technology, playing a crucial role in the global sports competition. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched “The Olympic AI Agenda,” aiming to enhance athlete support and revolutionise the spectator experience. While traditional sports events will remain human-run, AI will support various aspects, ensuring a seamless integration of technology.??

According to the Olympics website, the Olympic AI Agenda is the third in a trilogy of strategy documents launched under the leadership of IOC President Thomas Bach and presents the envisioned impact that artificial intelligence (AI) can deliver for sport. “The Olympic AI Agenda sets out a governance and oversight framework to identify and mitigate risk, and it will be a continuous process to leverage the insights and experience of prominent experts to support the deployment of AI for the Olympic Movement,”?the document said. ??

Moreover, the Olympics said it recognises that the future of AI in sport is not a solo venture. “That is why the IOC is inviting all its stakeholders across the Olympic Movement – athletes, International Federations (IFs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), Worldwide Olympic Partners, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and many other organisations – to embark on this transformative journey, while remaining vigilant to the potential risks,” it said. ??

The Paris 2024 Olympics will run from July 26 to August 11.??

Security and sustainability with AI

Beyond athletic performance and broadcasting, AI plays a crucial role in the logistics and security of the Olympics. AI systems ensure smooth and safe operations, from crowd management to event scheduling. ?Sustainability is also in the core of the IOC’s focus. The IOC said that by optimising resource allocation, energy consumption, and waste management, the technology will help minimise the impact of the Olympics in the environmental. ??

As AI becomes more embedded in the Olympics, ethical considerations have become increasingly important. Moreover, data privacy, fairness in AI decision-making, and maintaining the human essence of sports are at the forefront of discussions.?