Esports And New Technology Apart Of Intel’s Plans For Tokyo 2020
US technology giant Intel has partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee (Tokyo 2020) and other Games partners, to introduce ground-breaking technology at the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Intel will bring innovations to the Games across a wide range of areas, from 5G platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to immersive media and esports.
In a new YouTube video that was released today, Intel has incorporated augmented colour overlays into live broadcasts of track and field to show viewers the performance, names, and other details of the athletes.
The technology behind it, called 3D Athlete Tracking, uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to provide a better viewing and entertainment experience for the consumer.
“After a very successful PyeongChang 2018, we’re excited to partner with Intel once again to bring the next era of technology to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” Managing Director of IOC Television and Marketing Services, Timo Lumme, said.
“Our extended collaboration with Intel allows us to provide the best experiences and technology to all Olympic fans who attend our events and those viewing around the world.”
Intel chips will also be used in facial recognition systems tracking over 300,000 people at the Games, including athletes, volunteers, journalists and staff entering and exiting Olympic venues.
Intel is also helping create virtual reality training programmes for staff working at the Games with hopes the VR training could lower costs and increase the efficiency of training programmes.
“Intel is focused on delivering world-class technology integrations at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to improve the experience for athletes, attendees, viewers and Games staff while also demonstrating how technology can transform businesses,” General Manager of Intel’s Olympics Programme, Rick Echevarria, said.
“We are excited to make the first of a series of announcements about our role in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.”
In addition, Intel has announced the Intel World Open esports tournament, which will take place ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, building on the first esports experience delivered at Intel® Extreme Masters PyeongChang.
The Intel World Open, which will feature “Street Fighter V” and “Rocket League”, will kick off with online qualifiers in December 2019, where any player, at any level, can fight for a chance to join their national team and compete for a $500,000 prize pool.
“We are excited Intel is bringing the Intel World Open esports tournament to Japan in the lead-up to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” IOC Sports Director, Kit McConnell, said.
“As we explore the engagement between esports and the Olympic Movement, we are looking forward to learning from this event and continuing to engage with the passionate esports community from around the world.”
