Team GB absolutely smashed their medal targets at the 2016 Olympics, achieved plenty of “firsts”, and surprised even themselves by finishing second in the medal table. Of the 366 athletes Great Britain sent to the Olympics, 130 (over 35 percent) returned with a medal. Off the back of such incredible success, I think it is fair to say that many of us are looking forward to the next Olympics. But what can we expect to see at Tokyo 2020 in terms of tech? 

Japan has big plans for the 2020 Olympics, and is seeking to use the event to highlight the company’s high-tech culture. Around the country, companies are already beginning to showcase some of their tech offerings – including self-driving cars, a cellular network 100 times faster than LTE, and “Super Hi-Vision” broadcast quality.

Compared with most Olympic locations, Tokyo is already prepared for the event. The infrastructure is there, efficiency is there, the tech is there.  

But, even though the current tech is impressive, in the tech world, an awful lot can change in four years. So Japan’s plans to make technology a key part of the 2020 Olympics are especially exciting.

Since Japan is aiming to triple its spending on robotics, some are speculating that tourists staying next to the Olympic will be able to choose to hang out with robot helpers that offer up tips on transport, food, and entertainment – with others greeting them as they arrive at the airport and at hotels. Another prediction is for a manmade meteorite show, created by Japanese startup ALE, to replace a traditional firework display. And, working with an instant language translation app called VoiceTra, Panasonic are thought to be developing a small wearable device that will translate Japanese into 10 languages instantly.   

Tokyo is known as one of the safest cities in the world – which means that visitors to the games won’t have to worry about the crime and violence that has dogged Rio – and boasts a variety of cool neighbourhoods filled with cafes, clubs, restaurants, and shopping malls. Already famous for its hypermodern lifestyle, the 2020 Olympics will propel Japan even further into the future, and put on a spectacular display in the process

What tech would you like to see at Tokyo 2020? And do you think Team GB will be as successful?

Let me know with an email!