Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) have announced plans to team up in developing cutting-edge athlete tracking technology. The companies, along with partners, aim to deploy the first artificial intelligence-powered 3D athlete tracking. Using existing and upcoming Intel hardware with Alibaba cloud computing technology, 3D forms of athletes in training or competition can be extracted and used for analysis.

The partners aim to showcase the technology to enhance the fan experience of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. “This technology has incredible potential as an athlete training tool and is expected to be a game-changer for the way fans experience the Games, creating an entirely new way for broadcasters to analyze, dissect and reexamine highlights during instant replays,” said Navin Shenoy, Intel Executive Vice President and General Manager.

AI algorithms will generate a 3D mesh of the athlete, allowing trainers to capture real-time biomechanical data. This information can be extracted and displayed without the use of sensors or external gear. The athlete’s performance is captured using regular cameras, then the AI algorithm is applied to create a digital model ready for coach and spectator analysis.

The companies intend for the new technology to serve as a revolutionary tool for athletes, coaches, broadcasters and fans.

This 3D athlete tracking endeavour is the most recent collaboration between the two companies. Alibaba recently utilized Intel’s latest processor and memory technology to support the Alibaba Global Shopping Festival, and with its support, the festival set a record of USD 30.8 Billion of gross merchandise volume in transactions within 24 hours.