Gymnastics to Use AI-Powered Scoring System

The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that AI-powered software will be used to score gymnastics events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a significant shift towards technology-driven judging in one of the sport's most contentious and scrutinized disciplines.

At the heart of this innovation is a sophisticated system capable of processing angles instantly and tracking every joint movement of the athletes. This cutting-edge technology will utilize cameras to capture body motion during the Summer Olympic schedule, recording and measuring every flip and twist with unprecedented precision.

The implications of this new system are far-reaching, particularly in light of recent high-profile disputes over judging decisions. The 2024 Paris Olympics saw a prolonged legal battle over an Olympic bronze medal awarded after a dispute over Jordan Chiles' floor score, highlighting the need for greater accuracy and transparency in the sport. With the AI-powered system set to debut at the Los Angeles Games, athletes can trust fair outcomes due to the use of advanced technology.

The new system will not only increase accuracy but also provide human specialists with a critical review of facts, ensuring that human oversight is maintained alongside the automated scoring. World Gymnastics president Morinari Watanabe has championed this initiative, aiming to take scoring decisions out of human hands altogether and relying solely on computers and AI to award scores.

The system's capabilities will be put to the test in Los Angeles, where Fujitsu's Judging Support System made its debut at the World Championships in 2019. The technology has since been extended to all 10 apparatus, with the Los Angeles Olympics set to introduce a more comprehensive and integrated approach to judging.

The use of four cameras for most apparatus and eight for floor exercise will provide unparalleled insight into athlete performance, allowing the AI system to detect errors in movements that human judges may miss. This technology has already been tested at high-profile events, including the World Championships, where gymnastics officials have had access to its analysis for the first time.

With the Los Angeles Olympics just around the corner, the world of gymnastics is on the cusp of a revolution in judging and scoring. The new AI-powered system promises to bring greater accuracy, transparency, and fairness to the sport, setting the stage for a more exciting and competitive future.

The 2028 Olympics are expected to mark a significant shift in how gymnastics judging is conducted, with World Gymnastics president Morinari Watanabe confirming that the new AI-powered system will be used for all apparatus except floor exercise, which will use eight cameras. When asked about his plans for the future of gymnastics judging, Watanabe stated that he wants to 'take scoring decisions out of human hands altogether' and instead rely solely on computers and AI to award scores. This goal is set to be achieved through the use of advanced technology, including Fujitsu's Judging Support System, which has already been tested at high-profile events like the World Championships. The Los Angeles Olympics are expected to provide a critical test of the system's capabilities.