IBM is revolutionizing the Wimbledon experience by integrating AI and data analytics. Fred Baker, IBM’s associate partner, explains how these technologies enhance fan engagement and player performance analysis from the heart of the tournament. IBM’s systems handle extensive data to boost the online, app, and TV user experience, as well as assess player performance from the tournament’s “media bunker.”
Enhanced Fan Experience:
IBM’s technology delivers real-time insights at Wimbledon’s “media bunker,” managing over 2.5 million data points in a fortnight, including the structured and unstructured types from both Wimbledon and external sources. This data enriches digital experiences and TV broadcasts, providing detailed information that enriches broadcasts. The IBM team, with 35 years of experience, curates and catalogs all incoming data, ensuring seamless application usage for online, app, and TV users. The team curates structured and unstructured data to enhance digital experiences and TV broadcasts.
Data-Driven Insights:
IBM’s efforts are supported by a robust hybrid cloud architecture that combines AWS and IBM public clouds. “We’ve built applications that dynamically serve these needs across our hybrid architecture,” says Baker. This setup ensures scalability and redundancy, which are critical during the high-demand tournament season as opposed to the off-season. It means that servers can be turned off when not in use, saving energy.
This architecture is built around Watson X, IBM’s enterprise data and AI platform. “Watson X drives this whole process, applying intelligence to curate millions of data points and serve both applications and AI models,” Baker stated. Wimbledon’s AI model can understand and generate tennis-specific content, such as player profiles.
AI-Powered Player Analysis:
This advanced AI model depends on reputable data sources and governance structures for ongoing improvement and input. “Our AI can understand subtleties like drop shots and other play tactics, providing coaches and players with insightful information,” said Baker. The detailed analysis helps in assessing player’s chances of refining game strategies by providing information for both fans and coaches.
Enhancing Security:
Security remains the utmost concern. IBM’s system tracks 10 million possible security events during the 2023 championships, or a quarter of a million events daily. Our security monitoring service serves as the initial point of triage, classifying and categorizing events, identifying patterns, and determining necessary actions, Baker said. This continuous monitoring ensures the integrity of the data and applications used throughout the event.
IBM has enhanced the Wimbledon experience for viewers worldwide and provided players with valuable insights by using AI and data analytics. According to Fred Baker, IBM aims to use advanced technology to help players improve their games and bring fans closer to the action. This extensive integration showcases IBM’s dedication to advancing sports technology and sets a benchmark for future tournaments and digital sports experiences globally.