Indianapolis, Aug. 22, 2020: Fans are not allowed to watch the INDY 500 this year from the stands because of the COVID-19 restrictions but here’s what tech is gonna do for them.
NTT DATA and NTT Ltd., global technology and business solutions leaders, have collaborated with INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to “deliver an infusion of smart technologies aimed at driving fan engagement through digital transformation” for the 104th running of the iconic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on August 23.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic will not allow us to welcome guests on-site at the ‘Racing Capital of the World’, it has further emphasized our investment in digital engagement to enhance the experience for fans viewing from around the globe,” said Penske Corporation Chairman Roger Penske in a press release.
For that, the event will use NTT’s ‘Accelerate Smart initiative’, a secure, distributed platform that captures data via sensors and micro data centres in designated areas through video and sound. The platform, said NTT, also integrates historical data sources such as traffic, weather and social media to leverage cognitive analytics, including machine learning technologies, to learn normal patterns and detect and alert authorities of abnormal patterns.
NTT will focus on driving fan engagement through digital transformation with data and predictive analytics and a COVID-19 “Back to Work” solution for employees and race teams taking part in the event.
Driving fan engagement through digital transformation
The Indianapolis 500 will serve as the debut of real-time data-driven racing insights powered by NTT through a data experience visualized on the 100-foot wide IMS Media Wall recently installed on the landmark Pagoda building.
The high-resolution LED display will visualize more than 140 data points from every car and multiple live feeds throughout the track to provide data-driven insights in real time through 3D experiences. The insights will use machine learning to indicate where cars should be on the track and predict their next move while AI data will pinpoint the best driver battles and highlight head-to-head matchups in real time with pit predictions, fastest laps and more.
The data experience will feature a Twitter social media feed that highlights storylines and a heat map indicating which areas of the United States are engaging with “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
INDYCAR fans from around the globe will be able to easily access the data experience through the INDYCAR Mobile App powered by NTT DATA. The app will feature a stream of informative data to drive better engagement while viewing the races. The free app, available for download on iOS or Google Play, also features live in-car camera video during races, live transmissions between drivers and teams, weather forecast tracking, a fantasy league challenge, on-demand highlights and more.
Improving industry safety through COVID-19 “Back to Work” solution
What’s more, at the back-end, NTT will also be providing INDYCAR with a COVID-19 “Back to Work” business solution for members of the INDYCAR paddock including race officials, team members and speedway staff, entering Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the race weekend.
An easily accessible and responsive web app will provide a simplified way for individuals to demonstrate compliance with INDYCAR’s workplace process, said the company. These protocols include a series of online questions, including a health self-assessment, no exposure confirmation and agreement to follow paddock guidelines, to generate a digital pass that will provide entry to the speedway and paddock access when combined with their credential and a temperature screening.
More importantly, this solution will allow INDYCAR to filter reporting by team or organization and enable the sanctioning body, as well as teams, to efficiently govern the protocols in place.
Image credit: NTT