5G, AR Set To Transform Tokyo Olympics Fan Experience

Demos are slated for sailing, swimming, golf events

The Tokyo Organizing Committee today took the wraps off some next-generation spectator viewing technologies that will be part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Augmented reality (AR), 5G, and even 12K will help spectators at sailing, swimming, and golf get closer to the action than ever before.

A 50-meter video board will deliver 12K images via 5G for sailing events.

Spectators at the sailing venue (Enoshima Yacht Harbor), for example, will be able to watch a 50-meter-wide video screen that will receive a 12K video signal via 5G and give spectators on shore a chance to get close to sailing action that typically requires binoculars and, even then, can feel a world away. That demonstration will take place July 25-27 and Aug. 27-29.

AR glasses will give swimming fans at the Olympics more data and information.

AR will be front and center at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, where specific seats will be provided with wearable AR devices that will display detailed race information during the events. Ultra-fast 5G technology will swiftly transmit data to the AR devices, and spectators will be able to see a leaderboard as well as lane information including name and nation flag. That demonstration will be held July 31–Aug. 1 and Aug. 6-7.

Olympics golf fans will be able to rent 5G-capable devices at the event.

And the fanzone at Kasumigaseki Country Club, home to the golf events, will provide rental devices with 5G connectivity that will allow fans to watch live video of a specific golfer, highlight clips, feeds, and more.

Intel, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), and NTT DOCOMO will provide the technology, and NHK and the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association will play a role.