Can AI Turn a Young Orang Asli Child into an Olympic Champion?
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) – Can a young Orang Asli child from Gua Musang, Kelantan be turned into an Olympic champion in 2036? This idea might have seemed far-fetched in the past, but rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s modern world have given it a fillip.
Revolutionizing Sports with AI
Professor Datuk Dr S. Shamala, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said AI is now revolutionizing sports on both national and international levels. By leveraging AI technology, athletes and coaches can predict performance trends, enabling them to develop effective strategies for the future.
Predicting Performance Trends
"One unique feature of AI is its ability to predict an athlete’s future performance based on learning models and collected data," she told Bernama. "AI can provide comprehensive data on an athlete’s performance, including competition results, training, injury risks, and comparisons with athletes from other countries."
Gathering Data
This data is gathered through high-tech devices, such as smartwatches or GPS-enabled vests worn by athletes during training and competitions. Shamala’s team at UPM has been developing a pilot project called the iOS-Rocks Sport Performance Analysis System since last year.
Monitoring Performance
Apart from tracking athlete performance, the application monitors movement, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. "We’ve been working with a children’s football club, and the feedback has been very positive. It has helped improve their game," she said.
Nurturing World-Class Athletes
According to Shamala, collecting such data is crucial for nurturing world-class athletes who can win honours for the country on the global stage. "For instance, if an 11-year-old track cyclist shows potential, their data can be compared to our national icon Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang. From there, we can track their progress and determine whether they can advance further or require additional support to enhance their performance," she said.
Challenges and Opportunities
While AI is a boon to sports analysis, Shamala cautioned that its effectiveness hinges on accurate data collection and noted the high costs of building cloud-based data systems. She urges industry players to collaborate with foreign companies or local universities to invest in AI-driven sports technologies.
Government Initiatives
Shamala also welcomed the government’s initiatives to boost AI development in Malaysia, which could significantly benefit national sports. She is optimistic that investments from tech giants specialising in cloud computing, such as Google, Nvidia, and Amazon Web Services, will reduce data storage costs and encourage broader collaboration in building a robust sports data ecosystem in Malaysia.
Conclusion
The rapid advancements in AI have opened up new possibilities for sports analysis and athlete development. With the right investment and collaboration, Malaysia can harness the power of AI to nurture world-class athletes and achieve success on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does AI help in sports analysis?
A: AI helps in sports analysis by providing comprehensive data on an athlete’s performance, including competition results, training, injury risks, and comparisons with athletes from other countries.
Q: What are the benefits of using AI in sports?
A: The benefits of using AI in sports include improved athlete performance, reduced injury risks, and enhanced team strategy.
Q: How can industry players collaborate with universities to invest in AI-driven sports technologies?
A: Industry players can collaborate with universities by providing funding and resources for research and development, and by sharing expertise and knowledge in the field of AI and sports.
Q: What are the challenges of using AI in sports?
A: The challenges of using AI in sports include accurate data collection, high costs of building cloud-based data systems, and the need for specialized expertise in AI and sports analytics.