NTT revolutionises fan experience at Indianapolis 500 with AI

NTT, a global technology and business solutions provider, has released a series of innovations designed to improve fan experiences at this year's Indianapolis 500. Leveraging AI technologies, these innovations promise to revolutionise how fans engage with the race both onsite and remotely.

The centrepiece of NTT's offering is the "Race Like the Pros" simulator, powered by the company's Embodied Knowledge technology. This simulator blends physical sensations with digital innovations, enabling users to experience the track as driven by a professional racer. By incorporating elements such as realistic steering wheel forces and car vibrations, users can synchronise their movements with those of professional drivers through extended reality (XR).

In addition to the simulator, NTT is deploying a suite of AI-powered solutions aimed at enhancing race analytics and the overall spectator experience. The company's sophisticated Smart Solutions Platform analyses data collected from over 140 sensors on each racecar, capturing more than 8 billion data points. These insights, shared in near-real-time, provide fans with detailed visualisations and storytelling of key moments, from head-to-head overtaking manoeuvres to race strategy and winner predictions.

The race's 300,000-plus onsite attendees will also benefit from NTT's Smart Venue technology, which optimises venue security and traffic flow. Using AI-enabled optical detection technologies, coupled with digital ticketing, the system offers real-time and predictive data on wait times at event gates and concession stands, ensuring a smooth and efficient fan experience across the sprawling 600-acre venue.

NTT's collaborations extend beyond the realm of fan engagement. The company's Embodied Knowledge technology is being explored for various future applications, from medical surgery training and athletic coaching to retail employee training and AI-powered robotics. NTT invests over US$3.6 billion annually in research and development, continuously seeking to uncover innovations with commercial impact.

Roger Penske, Chairman of Penske Corporation, which owns INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, lauded NTT's contributions. "NTT DATA has pushed the boundaries of how technology can impact motorsports. Their Smart Venue technology has driven new levels of safety, security, and efficiency for fans, while also providing real-time data feeds into race control and our INDYCAR App," he noted.

Eric Clark, CEO of NTT DATA, North America, emphasised the broader implications of their partnership with INDYCAR. "We work with leading enterprises in complex sectors. Partnering with INDYCAR helps us pressure test our offerings in intense real-time settings, which we then apply to help our clients innovate, improve sustainability, leverage AI, and enhance customer experiences," he explained.

Fans unable to attend in person can still enjoy a data-driven experience through the INDYCAR App, powered by NTT DATA, the company states. The app, which engages more than 70,000 users on race days, provides real-time AI and advanced analytics, live scoring, and views from 15 in-car cameras. The app is available for download from both the iOS App Store and Google Play.