IoT Technologies Won the Olympic Games

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The 2016 Olympics recently concluded were the most digitally connected Olympics ever. Numerous  of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies were applied during the games to ensure an interconnected world.

According to Machinedesign.com, the Olympics introduced new IoT security features. The Brazilian manufacturer Altave introduced security balloons with high-resolution cameras to support the security system at the games. The devices send images produced by a total of 13 cameras in real time to the Center for Integrated Regional Command and Control. This security feature proved successful, and plans are in place for them to be adopted at the 2020 Olympics in Toyko.

An NBC Sports app live streamed every single athletic event, providing actual live transmissions and not only replays or highlights. In addition, the Rio Games employed new cameras, sensors, and display technology to provide instant scores and coverage. The app and other technological innovations combined to provide an enriched view of the Olympics.

Users could stream individual sports or else tune into the main Gold Zone channel and view four sports occurring simultaneously.

The new Scan ‘O’ Vision MYRIA cameras from Omega captured the photo finishes as runners cross the line. The camera can take 10,000 digital photos per second.

Swimmers benefited from new underwater lap counters that helps them keep track of how much of the race is left. The lap count would update each time a swimmer touched the wall—helping them focus on the race.

Archery competitions benefited from new sensors placed under the classic paper targets. These located the exact spot where an arrow hit the target within an accuracy of 0.2 mm, and would instantly display them on the screen within one second for spectators.

These games have brought a new side of technology to sports and for the viewers at home.