New day new dose of tech.Today I decided to talk about AI.

Let's start with following description from Wikipedia

Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence exhibited by machines. In computer science, the field of AI research defines itself as the study of "intelligent agents": any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal.Colloquially, the term "artificial intelligence" is applied when a machine mimics "cognitive" functions that humans associate with other human minds, such as "learning" and "problem solving".

We all probably encountered AI in our lives till this day. For example Google Search uses AI to display relevant information based on our search input. Personal assistants on our phones help us with everyday tasks and predict incoming events throughout the day.

When I first received notification saying "It takes 20 minutes to your home if you leave now." I almost dropped my phone. I was surprised how Siri knows where I live. But by exploring world of AI more and more I started to realize that almost every step we take is tracked. You cannot help it. If you disable all the tracking, someone else will tag you along or expose some information about you when creating new contact in their phone. But let's not be paranoid at the moment. We are talking about AI and it's advantages. Which brings me to my next point.

What are the latest use cases?

Two biggest sporting events in July will use AI to help them with big data that is produced in that kind of events.

First of them is Wimbledon which started technological partnership with IBM in 1990. IBM uses its own Watson platform to analyze matches and provide highlights in no time.

The AI platform will literally take key points from the tennis matches (like a player serving an ace at 100 mph), fans' cheers and social media content to help create up to two-minute videos.

Quite impressive huh? This kind of process will save some time and based on description provide maybe even better highlight reel than people would do. As it combines social media, fans' cheers and other aspects of the match I think result will really show the most exciting parts of the match. Do not forget that matches in Wimbledon last even more than 4 hours. So going through whole match and finding the best moments isn't exactly walk in the park.

https://www.ibm.com/uk-en/marketplace/wimbledon/

http://ibmuki.co.uk/2017/06/i-develop-wimbledon-rosie-lickorish-and-darren-shaw/?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

And then there is Tour de France.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoQuVnKhxaM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKx6jrEoEnQ

Using GPS transponders, installed under the saddles of each bike, a whopping 3 billion data points will be collected throughout the 21 stages of the Tour. These insights will be combined with external data (such as the course gradient and weather conditions) to bring viewers a range of breaking stats, including live speed and the location of individual riders, distance between riders, and composition of groups within the race.

I was already quite impressed by all the cameras on the bikes which bring you really close to action and make you feel like it's you climbing up to Alpe d'Huez. But with additional information, cycling enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the race like never before. At least I enjoy seeing lots of data about the stage and later compare with my own bike rides. Which usually makes me sad as I suck against them but I'm not pro so let's not compare ourselves to pros :)

I think AI is really important in sports field as people try to get insights into how athletes perform. And how people perform. There is a bright future ahead of AI. One movie recommendation on this topic is Ex Machina which introduces you to world of AI.

I actually used IBM Watson in one of previous project or to be more specific its image recognition module. Long story short you first have to create own database of images which AI uses for later recognition. Basically you take pictures of same item from different angles which helps AI in decision making. If you want to give it a go register yourself for free trial and explore the world of AI.

That's all for now, comment if you're interested in this topic and follow me if you like my posts.