Cloud-Based AI Cameras Power Dynamic Replays at 2024 Paris Olympics

Alibaba’s cloud division is providing AI-powered smart cameras to create dynamic, multi-angle replays and 3D models for broadcasters at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Alibaba has been working with the Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) since the 2020 Tokyo Games, providing its cloud technologies to manage, store and distribute huge quantities of content from across the various events.

In Paris, Alibaba Cloud will deploy an array of AI-infused cameras that capture various points of action to create dynamic replays.

The cameras are strategically placed around venues, ensuring multiple angles are captured.

Leveraging a combination of machine learning and deep neural networks, the AI component of the cameras follows the action, capturing detailed views of athletes as they compete.

The footage can then be transformed into cloud-based 3D models broadcasters can use to show replays of the action for deeper analysis, like a virtual representation of a diver to showcase points on his or her technique.

During the Paris Games, Alibaba’s AI-powered replay system will be used across 12 competitions, including beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower and tennis at Roland Garros Stadium, home of the French Open.

The content will be available to Olympic broadcasting partners through OBS’s production system, which also runs on Alibaba Cloud.

Related:AI Takes Center Stage at 2024 Paris Olympics

The multi-camera system debuted at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, capturing scenes from the curling and speed skating, providing viewers with dynamic replays of the action from several different angles.

Alibaba Cloud has since added more AI features to the system. The company tested the tech ahead of the Paris Games at the skateboarding Olympic Qualifiers in Shanghai in May.

Credit: Alibaba Cloud

“We are thrilled to collaborate with OBS to expand the use of our cutting-edge cloud-based AI technology, aiming to elevate sports broadcasting to new levels of immersion and engagement,” said Selina Yuan, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence’s president of international business. “As a pioneer in delivering intelligent sports solutions, we aim to work with OBS to redefine how global sports enthusiasts experience and engage with the Olympic Games. We look forward to further contributing to the Paris 2024 experience with our advanced cloud technologies.”