ISIA Lab Showcases AI Innovation at the Olympic Games Paris 2024

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 provided a global stage not just for athletes but also for groundbreaking technological innovations. ISIA Lab at the University of Mons (UMONS) is proud to have played a pivotal role in this international event through a successful collaboration with MOOV Insights, a startup dedicated to enhancing physical health assessments using artificial intelligence (AI).

The journey began with a shared vision between UMONS’ ISIA Lab and MOOV Insights: to leverage AI for instant and accurate physical condition analysis. This collaboration culminated in a Proof of Concept (POC) that was showcased at the Belgium House during the Olympics. The POC utilized simple cameras to record participants performing four physical tests, providing immediate fitness assessments powered by AI algorithms developed by UMONS’ ISIA Lab.

One of the standout achievements of this project was the active participation of over 1,000 individuals ranging from 6 to 72 years old. This diverse group engaged with the technology, performing the physical tests and receiving instant feedback on their fitness levels. The substantial amount of data collected offered invaluable insights into the physical health of people across different age groups. This real-world data is instrumental in refining the AI algorithms and enhancing the accuracy of future assessments.

The stand, hosted by Wallonia Export & Investment Agency and ADEPS Pro, attracted significant attention, including a memorable visit from King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Their Majesties were particularly interested in how this technology could address declining fitness levels among youth and combat the long-term health implications associated with sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases like diabetes.

The demonstration highlighted how AI can be integrated into educational settings to monitor and improve students’ physical health over time. By providing personalized solutions and continuous tracking, this technology aims to foster a more active and healthier younger generation.

This project exemplifies the power of collaboration between academic institutions and startups. The expertise of Professor Carlier and Sohaib Laraba, PhD, were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Their combined efforts showcase the technological prowess of the Wallonia region and set a precedent for future partnerships.

UMONS’ ISIA Lab remains committed to pushing the boundaries of AI and its applications in health and wellness. The success at the Olympic Games serves as a testament to what can be achieved when academia and industry unite towards a common goal.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to MOOV Insights for the opportunity to collaborate on this groundbreaking project. Additional appreciation goes to the organizers of the Belgium House and all partners involved, including Wallonia Export & Investment Agency and ADEPS Pro, for providing a platform to showcase our work.