US Open enabling AI with IBM Cloud

tennis ball

IBM's Cognitive Insights will be used to analyse data at the US Open Tennis Championships over the next 10 days, serving up the insights to fans.

IBM's AI engine will focus on analysing footage of the matches, generating video highlight reels using the language, sentiment and tone of the audience to determine the most crucial moments, as well as statistical tennis data and player reactions.

The videos will be served up to fans of the tournament on the United States Tennis Association's Facebook page, as well as through players bio pages on digital platforms. The videos will also be shown onsite at the tournament itself.

Fans can also use the US Open app to 'favourite' players, which will allow them to recieve push notifications when their favourite players have highlights available. games.

IBM's has also introduced its Cognitive Concierge engine, providing real-time information for Flushing Meadows' visitors, including the latest scores, schedules, transportation, and dining options using a natural language UI. Customers can simply type in their questions and the concierge will respond in a natural way.

"An afternoon or evening at the US Open, especially for first time visitors, has really never been easier to enjoy," said Kirsten Corio, USTA managing director of ticket sales, hospitality and digital strategy.

"Watson's capabilities within the US Open app will help our fans plan ahead, move around the grounds at their own pace, and always know where they are and where they want to go."

IBM's cognitive highlights technology was road-tested during the Masters and Wimbledon earlier this year and based upon its success, organisers of the Masters decided to roll it out full throttle.

"The US Open is packed with so much action across so many courts that even the fastest video team is challenged to keep pace with what's happening," said Noah Syken, IBM's VP of sports & entertainment partnerships.

"To meet that challenge, Watson is now watching the matches alongside the USTA to help bring fans closer to the best moments across the courts shortly after they happen. We're seeing this technology come to life through tennis, but the entire IBM Watson Media portfolio has the potential to impact many industries."

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.