Sport

Curated AI news · 18 stories

Robots swept RoboCup 2026, and they’re coming for the human World Cup by 2050

At RoboCup 2026 in Incheon, teams using humanoid robots from Beijing's Booster Robotics dominated all three football divisions, highlighting a shift from building custom robots to focusing on software and coordination. The event marked a milestone with two full teams playing 11-a-side matches, advancing toward RoboCup's goal of robots beating human World Cup champions by 2050. This progress reflects broader developments in embodied intelligence and robotics hardware reliability.

2026-07-09

AI Research

Inside IBM’s hidden ‘Court 19’, where Wimbledon becomes a test lab for AI

IBM has been Wimbledon’s technology partner for over three decades, operating a data processing hub called "Court 19" beneath the courts that analyzes millions of data points to enhance fan engagement through digital platforms. While IBM uses Wimbledon as a testing ground for AI technologies, challenges remain, such as the 2025 introduction of automated line-calling which faced criticism for errors. IBM emphasizes human oversight in its AI features to maintain accuracy and fairness during the赛事.

2026-07-09

AI Research

Startup Exec Boasts About Using AI to Churn Out Sports Content”Without Human Input”

WSC Sports, led by VP Itai Epstein, is using AI technology to automatically generate personalized sports content without human intervention, including live updates and summaries for events like the World Cup. The company also develops AI-driven educational sports content for children, such as an illustrated digital series about the NBA. Their AI tools analyze games in real time to produce diverse content across multiple platforms.

2026-07-05

Social Media

LinkedIn just produced its most unlikely success story: a World Cup footballer

LinkedIn has unexpectedly played a role in the career of a World Cup football player, highlighting a unique success story where the professional networking platform intersected with sports. This case illustrates how digital platforms can influence and support athletes' careers beyond traditional sports channels.

2026-06-15

AI Research

Google DeepMind’s TacticAI can predict football plays 8 seconds before they happen. Palmeiras is the first to use it.

Google DeepMind has developed TacticAI, a system capable of forecasting football plays up to eight seconds in advance. The Brazilian football club Palmeiras is the first team to implement this technology in their training and match preparations. This innovation aims to enhance strategic planning and decision-making in football.

2026-06-11

AI Research

Your face is the ticket: Google’s Gemini and biometric gates are the World Cup’s quieter tech story

Google's Gemini technology is being used to enable biometric facial recognition gates at the World Cup, streamlining entry processes and enhancing security. This implementation represents a significant advancement in the use of AI-driven biometric systems in large-scale sporting events. The technology aims to improve efficiency and safety for attendees.

2026-06-10

Robotics

Robot dogs, hunter drones, and AI cameras: the tech securing the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will utilize advanced technologies such as robotic dogs, hunter drones, and AI-powered cameras to enhance security measures at the event. These innovations aim to improve surveillance, crowd monitoring, and threat detection to ensure safety for attendees and participants.

2026-06-07

AI Research

Fifa expanding AI use at World Cup to reduce amount of abuse seen by players

FIFA is increasing its use of artificial intelligence technology during the World Cup to help decrease the amount of abuse directed at players. The AI tools aim to monitor and identify abusive behavior more effectively to create a safer environment for participants. This initiative reflects a broader effort to leverage technology in managing conduct in sports events.

2026-06-05

Cybersecurity

FIFA World Cup 2026 is a cybercriminal’s dream, and the scams are already live

The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 is attracting cybercriminal activity, with scams related to the event already circulating. These fraudulent schemes aim to exploit fans and stakeholders by leveraging the global attention on the tournament. Authorities and cybersecurity experts are monitoring the situation to mitigate potential risks.

2026-06-05

AI Research

Ferrari is using IBM’s AI to create F1 superfans

Ferrari has partnered with IBM to utilize artificial intelligence technology aimed at enhancing the experience for Formula 1 superfans. This collaboration focuses on leveraging AI to better engage and understand the fanbase. The initiative represents a blend of sports and advanced technology to deepen fan interaction.

2026-05-23

AI Research

AI is now an F1 sponsor, a strategist, and a tech director. The race weekend has changed.

Artificial intelligence has become deeply integrated into Formula 1 racing, serving roles such as sponsorship, strategic decision-making, and technical direction. This integration is transforming how race weekends are conducted, influencing team tactics and operations. The evolving presence of AI is reshaping the competitive and operational landscape of the sport.

2026-05-04

Robotics

AI-powered robot beats elite table tennis players

Researchers have developed an AI-powered robot capable of outperforming top-level table tennis players. The robot combines advanced artificial intelligence with precise mechanical control to compete at an elite level in the sport. This breakthrough demonstrates significant progress in robotics and AI applications in dynamic physical tasks.

2026-04-22

Robotics

This Video of a Humanoid Robot Playing Perfect Tennis Is Extremely Impressive

A video showcases a humanoid robot demonstrating exceptional skill in playing tennis, highlighting advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence in sports applications. The robot's performance illustrates progress in motion control and real-time response capabilities.

2026-03-16

Video Generation

Peacock expands into AI-driven video, mobile-first live sports, and gaming

Peacock is broadening its service offerings by integrating AI-driven video technology, enhancing its mobile-first live sports experience, and expanding into gaming. These initiatives aim to diversify content delivery and engage users through innovative digital platforms. The expansion reflects a strategic move to leverage emerging technologies in entertainment.

2026-03-13

Design

From a dragonfly’s wing to a WorldTour saddle

The article explores the design journey from studying the structure of a dragonfly's wing to developing a saddle used in WorldTour cycling events. It highlights the application of biomimicry principles in creating advanced sports equipment.

2026-03-05

AI Research

Brady Tkachuk decries White House’s AI video of him insulting Canadians after US gold

Brady Tkachuk, a US ice hockey player and captain of the Ottawa Senators, criticized an AI-generated video released by the White House that falsely showed him insulting Canadians after the US men's Olympic gold win. He clarified that the video did not use his real voice or words and distanced himself from the content. Additionally, Tkachuk addressed controversy surrounding a joke made by Donald Trump during a congratulatory call to the US men's team, acknowledging the concerns raised by the US w

2026-02-26

AI Research

An ice dance duo skated to AI music at the Olympics

At the Olympics, an ice dance pair performed their routine to music generated by artificial intelligence. This marked a notable instance of AI-created music being used in a high-profile sporting event. The integration highlights the growing intersection of AI technology and artistic performance in sports.

2026-02-10

Sport

The kids ‘picked last in gym class’ gear up for Super Bowl

A group of children who were often overlooked or chosen last in gym class have prepared themselves to participate in the Super Bowl event. The story highlights their journey and efforts leading up to this significant sports occasion.

2026-02-08

Sport

Robots swept RoboCup 2026, and they’re coming for the human World Cup by 2050

Inside IBM’s hidden ‘Court 19’, where Wimbledon becomes a test lab for AI

Startup Exec Boasts About Using AI to Churn Out Sports Content”Without Human Input”

LinkedIn just produced its most unlikely success story: a World Cup footballer

Google DeepMind’s TacticAI can predict football plays 8 seconds before they happen. Palmeiras is the first to use it.

Your face is the ticket: Google’s Gemini and biometric gates are the World Cup’s quieter tech story

Robot dogs, hunter drones, and AI cameras: the tech securing the 2026 World Cup

Fifa expanding AI use at World Cup to reduce amount of abuse seen by players

FIFA World Cup 2026 is a cybercriminal’s dream, and the scams are already live

Ferrari is using IBM’s AI to create F1 superfans

AI is now an F1 sponsor, a strategist, and a tech director. The race weekend has changed.

AI-powered robot beats elite table tennis players

This Video of a Humanoid Robot Playing Perfect Tennis Is Extremely Impressive

Peacock expands into AI-driven video, mobile-first live sports, and gaming

From a dragonfly&#8217;s wing to a WorldTour saddle

Brady Tkachuk decries White House’s AI video of him insulting Canadians after US gold

An ice dance duo skated to AI music at the Olympics

The kids ‘picked last in gym class’ gear up for Super Bowl

From a dragonfly’s wing to a WorldTour saddle