Chinese AI making all the smart moves at Paris Olympics(4)

Potential to revolutionize

Another notable Chinese innovation being featured in Paris is the "smart" soccer ball embedded with a chip that can perform 500 recognition actions per second. This technology aids match officials in accurately judging handballs and offsides, enhancing transparency and refereeing.

Manufactured by Huaian Butyl Ltd, a sports equipment company in Huaian, Jiangsu province, the smart soccer balls were also used at the recent UEFA European Championship.

Zhou Hongda, general manager of Huaian Butyl, said since the beginning of this year, the company had exported more than 4 million smart soccer balls for use in events like Euro 2024 and the Paris Games, as well as for training purposes. The company has export orders until the end of this year, Zhou added.

Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said: "As AI technology continues to evolve, the Paris 2024 Olympics serve as a testament to its potential to revolutionize sports. The integration of AI in various aspects of sports demonstrates its capability to enhance the athletic experience, both for participants and viewers."

"The application of China's state-of-the-art digital tech at the Paris Games has showcased Chinese companies' leading position in tech frontiers and their strengths in technological innovation," Wang added.

Accountancy firm PwC also believes that AI technologies are evolving fast and growing in importance, as well as boosting the management and operations of sports institutions.

"AI has the potential to inject new vitality into the entire chain of sports training and participation, from improving fans' viewing experience of sporting events and boosting training efficiency for athletes, to being virtual umpires and assistant coaches," PwC said in a report.