Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been revolutionary. The infinite uses of AI include writing, virtual assistants, online networking, and in sports entertainment. Although sports are very physical, online artificial intelligence is changing how people interact with them forever. From data analytics to training regimens, AI is a very present player.
One use of artificial intelligence in sports is data analytics. AI has the ability to comb through tons of data in almost an instant. This means that AI can analyze a player’s strategies, performance, and physical well being far faster than any human ever could. This allows sports teams and players to strategize faster, better, and more efficiently than ever before. AI gathers and analyzes data from heart rate monitors, smart sensors, and GPS trackers in order to help a player track their performance, down to the minute details, especially while training.
More than just coaches and players, die-hard fans are the backbone of the sports industry. Artificial intelligence helps here too. AI has many uses in entertainment and broadcasting that affects fan engagement. Personalized experiences, unique content, and more are all formulated with the help of artificial intelligence. For example, AI can analyze a fan’s preferences for players, games, areas, and more in order to produce a more personalized and enjoyable experience. More than just an algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered augmented reality can enhance fans’ experiences. Through live game simulations, virtual tours, or overlay during broadcasts, AI has the potential to add a lot to the viewing experience of millions of people worldwide.
While many of the uses of artificial intelligence happen pregame, post-game, or off the court, AI also helps players while a game is going on. Artificial intelligence can aid referees in determining whether or not a play is fair, or against the rules. In soccer, for instance, Video Assistant Referees, or VAR’s, have the ability to review crucial game moments to reduce any sort of controversy or confusion in a game. In golf, AI is used to track the path, speed, and destination of a hit ball. Without this, balls could be easily lost, and game play would be more difficult.
AI can have a more central role in many sports as well, in particularly esports. Whether or not esports count as ‘real’ sports is highly debated, but AI’s usefulness in this industry is undisputed. In many competitive games, artificial intelligence has a key role in the function of a match. AI works to arrange matches, animate NPCs (non player characters), and analyze and synthesize data; essentially, without AI, much of an esports tournament would fall apart.
Artificial intelligence is no longer fantasy, and its uses are quickly becoming apparent in our day to day lives. AI is now used to help teams strategize, players train, fans interact, and referees become more accurate. The large impact of AI is irrefutable, and will only become more advanced from here.