This Self-Driving Car Technology Will Judge Gymnastics At 2020 Olympics, And Reduce Human Bias
Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a method to measure distance, similar to radar. Specifically though, it¡¯s found its way into self-driving cars, thanks to its speed and accuracy. And now, it might be used to judge gymnastics competitions.
Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a method to measure distance, similar to radar.
Specifically though, it's found its way into self-driving cars in particular thanks to its speed and accuracy. And now, it might be used to judge gymnastics competitions.
Japan-based technology company Fujitsu has been working to develop a way to use lidar to help judges assess gymnastics competitions, or even replace the human judges entirely. So, how exactly would that work?
Well, the judges have to observe a collection of complex and precise movements carried out in the space of a few minutes. An error in judgement, obscured viewing angle, or even the blink of an eye can affect how a judge sees and scores a performance. Large discrepancies in scores this way can spark accusations of bias.
Fujitsu
Instead, Fujitsu wants to use lidar to help slow down and optimize the judging process for these kinds of competitions. Lidar measures distance by bouncing pulses of light at an object and then measuring what's reflected. Tweaking this system, lidar can be used to generate a full 3D image of a person's body in its range. Or in this case, multiple images that let the judges minutely scrutinize the athlete's maneuvers.
Fujitsu
In fact, Fujitsu says its system can generate an image so accurate you can judge the angle of joints to within a centimetre. And that's just right now when its an aid tool for judges. Eventually, the company wants to completely automate this scoring process with AI.
Fujitsu's tech will reportedly be tested at the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) World Cup next year, with automated scoring hopefully on the way by 2020. And given that Tokyo is hosting the 2020 Olympics, you might actually see it in action there.