The rise of robotics and AI in sports management and training has steadily increased over the
decades. The Olympics, in particular, have begun using these technologies extensively during
the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, North Korea. While these innovations have brought
exciting advancements such as using machine learning for accurate judging and athlete
training, and robots for cleaning, providing food and assisting in event management, there has
been limited focus on applying these technologies to enhance health and safety measures in
the Olympics.
So what are some of the most common issues the Olympics face regarding these areas? How
can we use robots to tackle these challenges?
Exploitation of Workers and Labour Issues
In every Olympics, there are strikes and protests from workers demanding safer working
conditions. Despite all this, nothing is being done to improve their environment, and thousands
of workers have lost their lives during the construction of Olympic venues.
Introducing robotics could significantly enhance safety and efficiency on construction sites. A
lifting robot with a scissor mechanism could help with bricklaying at high locations. The scissor
lift mechanism consists of crisscrossed metal supports that expand and contract in a scissor-like
motion. This robot would lift bricks and other heavy materials to high locations, which would
eliminate the need for scaffolding or manually carrying them up using ladders. Its controlled
lifting motion would allow bricks to be laid at precise angles and heights, improving the speed
and accuracy of construction.
Additionally, a wall-climbing robot could be used for tasks like painting after the bricklaying and
cementing are complete. This robot would use gripping technology, such as suction pads,
vacuum adhesion, or magnetic treads, depending on the surface, to safely scale walls. It would
be equipped with a paint dispenser and controlled via AI or a human operator to evenly coat
large areas. By taking over such dangerous tasks, these robots would help reduce the risk of
falls and other accidents, ensuring workers are no longer exposed to life-threatening conditions.
Facilities for Emergency Rescue
The Olympics are constantly under threat from terrorism, with arson being one of the most
common risks. While recent Games haven’t seen such incidents, it’s essential to be fully
prepared, and robots can play a critical role in emergency rescue efforts.
In the event of a fire, a spider robot/hexapod could be used to navigate over uneven surfaces,
which traditional emergency vehicles often struggle with. Thanks to its multiple legs, this robot
can move quickly across debris or unstable terrain, making it far more effective in chaotic
environments. This robot, equipped with a fire extinguisher, could quickly reach areas impacted
by fire, extinguishing the flames. Once the fire is controlled, the robot could serve as a rescue
vehicle. Its spacious design would allow people to climb onto it, and it could safely transport
them out of the venue, bypassing dangerous areas and debris. This would provide a faster and
safer evacuation for people trapped in high-risk zones, ensuring that more lives are saved in
emergency situations.
Water Pollution and Health Concerns
While cleaning robots are already in use at the Olympics, they often don’t address all areas,
particularly when it comes to cleaning water bodies used for competitions. The Seine River’s
water pollution became a major concern during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with issues like raw
sewage, industrial waste, and other pollutants making it unsafe for swimming events.
To tackle this, robotic water treatment systems could play a key role in both preventing future
pollution and cleaning up existing contaminants. These robots would first analyze water quality
by measuring parameters like pH levels, oxygen levels, and identifying contamination sources.
Based on the results, the robots could then deploy UV light, chemical treatments, or bio-filtration
systems to purify the water by breaking down harmful chemicals and eliminating bacteria.
Additionally, they could collect floating debris, ensuring the water is clean and safe for athletes
to compete in. This use of robotic technology would help ensure that water quality remains at
safe standards, preventing potential health risks.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize the Olympics by improving safety, efficiency and
environmental sustainability. From enhancing worker safety and emergency response to tackling
water pollution, these technologies can address key challenges and ensure a safer, smarter
experience for everyone involved in the Olympic Games.
written by Nasheetat Rahman
