Wimbledon to use AI-powered commentary technology

For the first time in Wimbledon history, it will use artificial intelligence-assisted commentary technology.

Tech giant IBM will provide AI-generated subtitles and audio for three-minute video highlights of the SW19 matches on the Wimbledon app and website.

With the necessary permission, it will also be possible to imitate the voice of a star announcer like John McEnroe and use that voice in the video. The BBC will use a human team of commentators for the 14-day event, which begins on Monday, July 3, but its future plans for the AI ​​have not been revealed.

Kevin Farrar, director of sports partnerships for IBM, said: “We used a manufactured sound. It is not a real sound. It is not based on a specific person. Comments, statistics, forehand, backhand, etc. It’s made of stuff.” saying.

“We had tennis experts on our team, so we took advantage of them to use the language,” Farrar said. It is not based on an individual style. You can see in the future that you can train yourself in different styles, languages, sounds. This is one step on that journey.” he used his statements.

“THE HUMAN ELEMENT MUST ALWAYS BE THERE”

Farrar affirmed that artificial intelligence harmonizes very well with the human element, saying: “You cannot change the comments made by John McEnroe, the human element must always be there. The important thing here is to be complementary and supportive”. saying.

Farrar stated that the goal at Wimbledon is to provide commentary on future matches that currently have no human commentary. “For all occasions, this human element is completing rather than fulfilling,” says Farrar. he added.