NTT, the official technology partner to the Tour de France for the past nine years, has been delivering innovative experiences to fans, digitally transforming race operations, and extending its solution to support the inaugural women’s race, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
NTT Ltd., a leading global IT infrastructure and services company, has unveiled its plans to enhance the technology offering for the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The company aims to leverage IoT, edge connectivity, and edge computing to revolutionize the famous sporting event.
In 2023, NTT will emphasize the combined value of these technologies for real-time analytics. By integrating IoT and edge, NTT will create the world’s largest “connected stadium” by establishing a digital twin of the race. This digital replica will connect layers of real-time information to faithfully replicate all aspects of the highly dynamic event in the digital realm.
At the heart of NTT’s data-gathering efforts are the bikes themselves. Using geolocation, the bikes will transmit continuous streams of latitude, longitude, and speed data over radio networks to race motorcycles or a plane. A microwave signal will then transmit the data to the end of the race, where a truck-based edge-computing device will run NTT’s real-time analytics platform in a containerized format.
Furthermore, this year’s race will witness the integration of ChatGPT in NTT’s AI-driven Digital Human solution. This solution combines machine learning, speech recognition, natural language processing, and conversational AI. Trained on relevant race information, the digital human platform can access detailed data to further enhance the fan experience.
According to Shahid Ahmed, Group EVP, New Ventures and Innovation at NTT Ltd., the combination of IoT and edge technology unlocks a new level of operational excellence that cannot be achieved in isolation. This integration, along with the unity of these technologies, is vital for transforming every bike into a “digital twin” and showcasing the true potential of edge computing.
Julien Goupil, Head of Partnerships & Media at A.S.O., expressed excitement about NTT’s partnership, highlighting how data has become increasingly valuable in explaining the race to a mass audience, engaging fans, enhancing their experience, and supporting race organization’s challenges.
After the integration of NTT Ltd. and NTT DATA last year, NTT’s technology partnership with both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift now falls under the NTT DATA brand. With a purpose to transform businesses, disrupt industries, and shape a better society, NTT continues to deliver innovative solutions.
To learn more about NTT’s support for A.S.O., visit: https://services.global.ntt/tourdefrance.