Capgemini’s wind visualization technology sets a new benchmark for sports broadcasting

Challenges in wind detection for yacht racing have spurred innovations to redefine the fan experience. For over a century, fans of America’s Cup have struggled to grasp the most important aspect—wind. In response, America’s Cup has partnered with Capgemini to develop a visualization technology that enhances broadcasting by “making the invisible visible”—setting a new standard for the fan experience. The team began development in December 2023 and brought the technology to market for America’s Cup in August 2024.

The technology can impact and streamline broadcasting and performance across all sports. It empowers enterprise leaders to drive innovation by enhancing fan engagement, strengthening connections, and creating highly personalized, immersive experiences.

Redefining broadcasting standards for the America’s Cup with technology—“making the invisible visible”

Fans of America’s Cup have been looking for a solution to overcome the broadcasting limitations that restricted their sense of connection for years. Wind visualization technology helps fans truly understand the harsh conditions experienced by yachtsmen.

Capgemini’s WindSightIQ is in the early stages of its lifecycle, and the 2024 America’s Cup is its first application on a large stage. It utilizes advanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to create a detailed visualization. Three LiDAR units were strategically placed along the Barcelona bay to scan and analyze the course’s atmosphere. Each unit emits 10,000 pulses of light per second to interact with the atmosphere, wind, and air particles to deliver data back to Capgemini. By combining this data and applying the Doppler effect, WindSightIQ can accurately determine each molecule’s velocity, speed, and direction for an elaborate look at the atmosphere—thereby creating the wind field.

Exhibit 1: Race simulation on the wind field

Source: americascup.com

As illustrated above, the solution enhances the visual representation of the racecourse with an augmented wind field, showing varying wind conditions. High-pressure areas are indicated in green, while low-pressure zones are marked in blue, facilitating a dynamic understanding of the atmosphere throughout the race.

Furthermore, Capgemini aims to reduce the size of its LiDAR technology from 100kg to 25kg to enhance convenience and enable seamless installations for future use cases. The currently large dimensions require extensive planning, sufficient space, and building owner approval for installation. Reducing the size will significantly shorten the installation time and facilitate integration with other devices such as drones. This infrastructure optimization bridges the gap between installation constraints and the vast potential of visualization technology to improve broadcasting and elevate fan experiences across all sports.

Cross-leveraging innovation in wind technology to empower leaders across all sports

America’s Cup revealed that its improved broadcasting strategy should help expand its global audience by more than 50%, aiming to surpass the 941 million viewers recorded in the last 2021 event. WindSightIQ has demonstrated notable success and received exceptionally positive feedback in the yacht racing division, with an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

Moreover, wind-detecting technology is expected to gain traction in the sports industry—with leagues in F1, rugby, skydiving, and golf expressing interest in improving the fan experience.

Wind impacts many sports to a certain extent, but we’ll use golf to explore the advantages of using the technology. In golf, wind affects the ball trajectory, distance, and accuracy, requiring players to consider wind conditions when selecting clubs and planning shots. WindSightIQ can improve player performance and help fans understand the wind’s impact on each shot and how it varies per hole. Visualization technology can address the broadcasting demands and potentially reshape the strategy of each sport.

The Bottom Line: Enterprise leaders in the sports industry should explore offerings such as WindSightIQ to strive for enhanced fan engagement and immersive experiences.

Capgemini’s WindSightIQ has reimagined America’s Cup by turning viewer demands into a dynamic visual experience, earning praise from fans, commentators, and sailors alike. While its success reflects enterprise value through a narrow lens, it underscores a broader opportunity for leaders to leverage wind visualization technologies for all sports.

Enterprises should draw inspiration from the winning strategies at America’s Cup and apply them to foster innovation and growth across the industry. All sports aim to drive fan engagement and viewership, subsequently increasing revenue and building a powerful business behind the brand. By investing in real-time visualization technologies, sports leaders can unlock new efficiencies, redefine fan experiences, and gain a competitive edge.