AI Revolutionizes Gymnastics Judging at 2023 World Championships
The Evolution of AI in Gymnastics Judging: Fujitsu’s JSS System
When Simone Biles saluted the judges and prepared for her vault at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, Belgium, the arena buzzed with excitement. Cameras from every angle captured her poised stance, while spectators held their breath, smartphones ready to record. As Biles executed her vault, every twist and turn was followed by the eyes of the audience and the technology designed to capture her performance in unprecedented detail.
However, beyond the visible cameras and the eyes of the audience, another set of cameras were silently observing, capturing data not for broadcasting but for analysis. These cameras, placed at each corner of the vault by the Japanese tech giant Fujitsu, are part of an ambitious project to revolutionize gymnastics judging through artificial intelligence (AI).
The Birth of the Judging Support System (JSS)
Genesis of an Idea
In 2017, Fujitsu began collaborating with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to develop an AI-based gymnastics judging system known as the Judging Support System (JSS). Initially, the system relied on lidar technology to create 3D models of gymnasts in motion. Over time, it evolved to use high-definition cameras strategically placed to capture athletes’ movements and create detailed 3D models. These models help determine whether the elements performed by gymnasts meet the criteria set by the federation’s judging bodies.
The Role of JSS in Judging
The JSS is not designed to replace human judges but to assist them, particularly in cases where there is a dispute or inquiry about a gymnast’s score. The system provides a second opinion by calculating the difficulty score of a gymnast’s exercise, ensuring more accurate and fair judgments. This technological assistance is particularly useful in edge cases where the human eye might miss subtle details.
The Technology Behind JSS
How JSS Captures Data
The JSS uses four to eight high-definition cameras to capture the movements of gymnasts. These cameras create 3D models of the athletes, allowing the system to analyze their performance with remarkable precision. The technology can measure angles, distances, and heights, transforming the athletes’ movements into quantifiable data.
Limitations and Applications
Despite its advanced capabilities, the JSS is not infallible. It is primarily used to validate human judgments rather than replace them. For example, during the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, the JSS captured all athletes’ performances, including Simone Biles’. However, its role was to support the judges in making accurate decisions rather than making judgments independently.
The Journey to Implementation
Challenges in Development
Fujitsu and FIG announced the JSS in 2017, aiming to have it operational by the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. However, the complexity of the system required additional development time, and it wasn’t until the 2023 World Championships that the JSS was fully operational across all artistic gymnastics apparatuses.
Overcoming Technical Hurdles
The development of the JSS involved significant investment in research and development. The system’s physical setup, including servers, monitors, and cameras, is resource-intensive. Technicians spend considerable time calibrating the cameras to ensure accurate data capture, a process that involves placing and moving large orange balls around the apparatuses to align the cameras properly.
The Impact of AI on Gymnastics Judging
Enhancing Accuracy and Fairness
The primary goal of the JSS is to enhance the accuracy and fairness of gymnastics judging. Human judges, despite their expertise, are prone to errors and biases. The JSS provides an objective measure to validate human judgments, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring more consistent and fair scoring.
Addressing Historical Issues
The need for technological assistance in gymnastics judging is not new. During the Cold War, there were widespread allegations of cheating and collusion in gymnastics judging. Even in recent years, human errors and biases have affected the outcomes of competitions. The JSS aims to address these issues by providing an objective measure to support human judges.
Future Prospects of JSS
Expanding Applications
While the JSS is currently used primarily for judging support, its potential applications extend beyond gymnastics. Fujitsu envisions using the technology in other industries, such as healthcare and ergonomics. For example, the system could help physical therapists develop tailored rehabilitation programs or assist in early detection of cognitive decline in the elderly.
Training Aid for Athletes
One of the most promising applications of the JSS is as a training aid for athletes. By providing detailed data on athletes’ movements, the system can help identify and correct subtle flaws that might lead to injuries. National gymnastics federations have expressed interest in integrating the JSS with their existing training systems, highlighting its potential to enhance athlete performance and safety.
FAQs
What is the Judging Support System (JSS)?
The Judging Support System (JSS) is an AI-based system developed by Fujitsu in collaboration with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to assist in gymnastics judging. It uses high-definition cameras and 3D modeling to analyze athletes’ performances and provide objective measures to support human judges.
How does the JSS improve gymnastics judging?
The JSS enhances gymnastics judging by providing objective data to validate human judgments. It reduces the likelihood of errors and biases, ensuring more accurate and fair scoring.
Can the JSS replace human judges?
No, the JSS is not designed to replace human judges. It serves as a support system to provide a second opinion, particularly in cases of disputes or inquiries about a gymnast’s score.
What other applications does the JSS have outside of gymnastics?
Beyond gymnastics, the technology behind the JSS has potential applications in healthcare, ergonomics, and surveillance. For example, it can help physical therapists develop tailored rehabilitation programs or assist in early detection of cognitive decline in the elderly.
What challenges does the JSS face in its implementation?
The implementation of the JSS is resource-intensive, requiring significant investment in research, development, and physical setup. The system’s complexity and the need for precise calibration also present challenges.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Judging Support System (JSS) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of gymnastics judging. By providing an objective measure to support human judges, the JSS enhances the accuracy and fairness of scoring, addressing historical issues of errors and biases. While the system is not without its challenges, its potential applications extend beyond gymnastics, offering promising prospects in healthcare, ergonomics, and surveillance. As technology continues to evolve, the JSS exemplifies how AI can be harnessed to support human expertise, ensuring more consistent and fair outcomes in competitive sports.
