Alibaba Unveils Cloud Technologies at 2020 Olympics

Alibaba Group, a Chinese technology company and Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has revealed its new cloud solutions, including one to help staff members at the 2020 Olympics reduce the risk of getting heatstroke during the summer in Tokyo.

Through an intelligent ear-worn device, the technology helps keep track of the body temperature and heart rate of the Olympic onsite staff in Tokyo. Based on the body temperature, heart rate and the environment index, a cloud-based system will identify the level of heatstroke risk in real-time for individual working staff.

Alerts will then be sent to those being exposed to a high level of risk along with recommended precautionary measures – such as drinking more water – to reduce the chances of getting heatstroke. The heat index in the surrounding environment including temperature, humidity and direct or radiant sunlight will be monitored through multiple heat stress WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) meters set up at 14 Olympic competition venues.

Hidemasa Nakamura, Chief of the Main Operations Centre (MOC) of the Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “The Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is working on various measures to protect working staff from the heat. Although it is expected to be extremely hot during the Olympic Games, we will provide support for the staff working for the operation of the Games.

The cloud-based technology provided by Alibaba plays an important role here. The technology is used for WBGT measurement at the venue and the monitoring and prediction of the heatstroke risks for the staff. By working with Alibaba together with our other Worldwide Olympic partners, the organising committee is determined to provide a safe tournament environment”.

In addition to the cloud-connected device, Alibaba is offering cloud services such as OBS Cloud for broadcasters, a broadcasting solution that gives the Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) access to the cloud-hosted platform, which includes a variety of short-form, ready-to-air content produced by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS).

In a similar vein, the company is allowing press conferences to take place on the cloud, with journalists who aren’t at the games able to watch and download press conferences, as well as video process, audio/video edit.

Hosted on Alibaba Cloud and leveraging Intel’s technology, 3D Athlete Tracking (3DAT) gives audiences professional insights into athletes’ performances as they happen. Without the need for motion tracking sensors, 3DAT leverages standard video, AI and Computer Vision to extract over 20 points in 3D on the athlete’s body, transforming that data into visualisations to broadcasters’ for key Athletics sprinting events.

“Leveraging our leading cloud technology, we hope to contribute to the safe and smooth operation of the Olympic Games”, said Selina Yuan, general manager of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “We believe our stable, resilient, elastic and secure cloud computing infrastructure will help digitalize the Olympic Games in various ways and bring new experiences to everyone involved”.

You can find more information about Alibaba and its cloud technologies at the 2020 Olympics on its website.

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