Tech Innovations in Watching and Playing Sports Debut at Japanese Expo

Coming off their best Winter Olympics yet, the Sports Business Expo Tokyo is giving Japan another reason to get excited about sports. Numerous companies exhibited new technologies like AI and VR aiming to better train athletes who hope to win big in Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

AI firms like Lightz Inc., demonstrated volleyball simulations allowed for coaches and athletes to pause the action and analyze the emotional state of their fellow teammates and other relevant metrics. Further applications include utilizing AI to develop strategies and break old playing habits.

For sports fans, a variety of new ways to experience sports like sumo wrestling and soccer were on display. From 8K resolutions to virtual reality powered by motion capture, the industry is hopeful that the innovations will catch on with audiences and athletes alike. Many observers and industry insiders hope that hype for the 2020 Olympics will help power interest in sports technologies, and vice versa.