Olympics 2022: IoT’s Role in Olympic Timekeeping

Real-Time Tracking System: Omega launched its Real-Time Tracking System (RTTS) in 2019. Used in track events, the system allows sensor tags fixed to athlete’s start numbers to communicate with the receivers on the track and send information back to its onsite computers tracking the athlete’s live speed, acceleration, deceleration and distance. 

The Scan‘O’Vision MYRIA: Omega’s Scan‘O’Vision MYRIA photo finish camera can record up to 10,000 images per second. That knowledge arms Olympic judges for official rankings and times at each event. Omega introduced the system in Albertville in 1992.

Snowgate Technology: When alpine skiers break through Omega’s Snowgate, the timing system is automatically activated ensuring precise timing of each race with the technology the company introduced at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. 

Photoelectric Cells: Speedskating timing is handled by photoelectric cells placed on the finish line. These little red boxes give off beams of light just two to three centimeters above the ice. When a competitor skates across it, the clock automatically captures the finishing time.

The Quantum Timer: Seconds are electronically counted on a Quantum Timer. By offering an enhanced resolution of one-millionth of a second, it’s five times more accurate than previous versions. Omega debuted this technology at the 2012 London Games.