NTT, the IT infrastructure and services company, is enhancing its technology offering for the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
In 2023, NTT notes that it will have a greater focus on the combined value of technologies for real-time analytics. NTT will integrate IoT (Internet of Things) tech to create the world’s largest ‘connected stadium’ by setting up a digital twin of the race. This will connect layers of real-time information to replicate key aspects of the event digitally.
At the core of NTT’s data-gathering are the bikes themselves. Using geolocation, they will transmit a constant stream of latitude, longitude, and speed data over radio networks. A microwave signal will then carry the data to the end of the race, where a truck-based edge-computing device will run a containerized version of NTT’s real-time analytics platform.
This year’s race will also see the integration of ChatGPT in NTT’s AI-driven Digital Human solution, which combines machine learning, speech recognition, natural language processing and conversational AI.
According to NTT, the digital human platform has been specifically trained on relevant race information and can access detailed information to further enhance the fan experience.
“Combining IoT and edge unlocks a new level of operational excellence and one that can’t be achieved in isolation,” said Shahid Ahmed, Group EVP, New Ventures and Innovation at NTT.
“Capturing, processing, and analyzing data alongside the unity of these technologies is essential for making every bike a ‘digital twin’ which is the ultimate demonstration of edge computing in action.”
Julien Goupil, Head of Partnerships & Media at Tour de France organiser A.S.O., said “Having worked with NTT for the past nine years, we’ve seen data become an increasing asset to better explain the race to a mass audience, strongly engage our fans, improve their fan experience and support our race organization’s challenges.”
www.services.global.ntt/tourdefrance
www.letour.fr
www.letourfemmes.fr
