The future of identifying olympians: an AI technology is developed

In a bid to discover the future medalists of the Olympics, a cutting-edge AI-powered talent spotting system is captivating fans at the Games, writes BBC. With the goal of bringing advanced sport science to remote areas globally, researchers are developing a portable version of this innovative technology.

Within the vicinity of the Olympic Stadium in Paris, Tacto and his younger brother, Tomo, both from Yokohama, Japan, are participating in specially designed AI-powered tests. As the alarm sounds, Tacto swiftly swipes the flashing blue infra-red sensors in front of him while Tomo sprints along a short running track, under the watchful eye of motion-tracking cameras.

The purpose of this system is to identify potential gold-medal-winning individuals. Five tests, including activities like running, jumping, and assessing grip strength, collect crucial data for analysis. Parameters such as power, explosiveness, endurance, reaction time, strength, and agility are evaluated using computer vision and historical athlete data for comparison.

"We’re leveraging computer vision and historical data, allowing regular individuals to compare themselves to elite athletes and discover the sport they are most physiologically aligned with," highlights Sarah Vickers, head of Intel's Olympic and Paralympic Program. Following completion of the tests, each participant receives insights on the sport they might excel in from a selection of ten options. Intel affirms that all data gathered from participants is promptly deleted after completion, ensuring privacy and anonymity.

Not only is this technology advancing talent identification, but it also proves to be an engaging and enjoyable experience for participants like Tacto and his brother. Tacto enthusiastically states, "I had a great time! I especially loved the sprinting part."

One remarkable aspect of this AI system is its portable counterpart, which enables broader accessibility. Operating on devices equipped with a basic camera and minimal computing power, this technology can evaluate an individual's performance through video analysis alone, eliminating the need for physical sensors. Recently, the International Olympic Committee took this system to Senegal, where it successfully assessed over 1,000 children for their athletic potential within five different villages. Partnerships with Senegal's National Olympic Committee unveiled future athletes, including 48 with "huge potential" and one with "exceptional potential." These promising individuals were offered placements in sports programs, providing them opportunities to explore their athletic abilities further. The potential for further implementation of this system, reaching areas traditionally inaccessible to bulkier assessment methods, offers hope for enabling athletes worldwide to unlock their talent through equal opportunities.

Prof John Brewer, a visiting lecturer at the University of Suffolk, acknowledges that identifying potential athletes at a young age is the "holy grail" of sport but cautions that a basic system assessing only a limited range of attributes may have limitations in technical or endurance-based sports. Though filming cannot capture athletes' aerobic or endurance capacities accurately, AI technology can lay the foundation for initial talent assessments.

Prof Brewer appreciates the benefits of such a system, particularly in providing an initial indication of potential talent across different sports. He states, "Encouraging athletes who exhibit promising skill and agility in specific sports is crucial. Portable technology that can be deployed in areas with limited access to high-tech assessment methods can only foster positive outcomes." Nonetheless, he emphasizes that it should function as one component within a larger talent identification framework.

Returning to the Olympic Stadium, young Tacto receives the revelation that his potential lies in sprinting, prompting delight. However, for now, he professes a preference for football and tennis. Hank and Brock, two more experienced athletes who previously competed at intercollegiate level standards in the US, demonstrate the technology's appeal. "We're former athletes, competitors by nature, and thought it would be fun," says Hank. Reflecting on how this technology was not accessible when they were actively swimming, they decide to try it out. Their results seemingly leave room for improvement, with Hank identified as a potential rugby player and basketball being unexpectedly allocated to Brock.

Even with AI technology, computer-misjudgments still occur. But this futuristic talent identification system, with its AI capabilities, serves as a stepping stone for unearthing the stars of tomorrow's sporting world.

In conclusion, the integration of AI technology in talent identification has the potential to revolutionize the search for future Olympians, while also breaking barriers and providing opportunities to aspiring athletes worldwide. The system, complemented by the guidance of experts, adds a new dynamic to talent identification, albeit with the recognition that it is just part of a larger process. With continued advancements, who knows what new sporting talents this technology will unveil in the years to come.

Earlier SSP reported that YouTube is experimenting with a new feature to assist creators in generating video ideas.