Information technology infrastructure and services company NTT is enhancing its technology offering for the cycle races Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to bring Internet of Things (IoT), edge connectivity and edge computing to the forefront of the famous sporting event.

“NTT will bring a greater focus on the combined value of these technologies for real-time analytics during this year's race. NTT will integrate IoT and edge to create the world’s largest connected stadium by setting up a digital twin of the race, which will connect layers of real-time information to replicate all aspects of the highly dynamic event digitally.”

The bikes themselves are at the core of NTT’s data-gathering. Using geolocation, they will transmit a constant stream of latitude, longitude, and speed data over radio networks to race motorcycles or a plane.

A microwave signal will then carry the data to the end of the race, where a truck-based edge-computing device will run a containerised version of NTT’s real-time analytics platform.

“Combining IoT and edge unlocks a new level of operational excellence and one that can’t be achieved in isolation. Capturing, processing, and analysing data alongside the unity of these technologies is essential for making every bike a digital twin, which is the ultimate demonstration of edge computing in action,” said NTT new ventures and innovation group executive VP Shahid Ahmed.

Further, this year’s race will also see the integration of ChatGPT in NTT’s artificial intelligence-driven Digital Human solution, which combines machine learning, speech recognition, natural language processing and conversational AI.

The digital human platform has been specifically trained on relevant race information and can access detailed information to further enhance the fan experience, it added.

“Having worked with NTT for the past nine years, we’ve seen data become an increasing asset to better explain the race to a mass audience, strongly engage our fans, improve their fans' experience or support our race organizations challenges,” said sporting event organiser Amaury Sport Organisation partnerships and media head Julien Goupil.