Robots could replace humans at Wimbledon with Grand Slam organisers mulling over using artificial intelligence instead of line umpires
Wimbledon is set to change forever, with officials mulling over the future use of artificial intelligence on court for matches.
If introduced, line umpires would cease to exist at the tennis tournament famed for its many traditions.
Tournament director Jamie Baker confirmed the modern day technology may eventually replace humans making live calls, with AI-powered commentary added to its 2023 coverage.
In 2021, the Australian Open became the first tennis Grand Slam to introduce electronic line calling, with the US Open quickly following suit.
Wimbledon and the French Open have so far bucked the trend.
Wimbledon is set to change forever, with Grand Slam organisers considering the future use of artificial intelligence on court (pictured, line umpires at the 2022 Championships)
Live electronic line calling is delivered via remote tracking cameras placed around the court, which automatically send the audio line calls in real time.
In April, the men’s ATP tour announced come 2025 line judges will be replaced by an electronic calling system, using a combination of cameras and AI technology.
‘Line calling obviously is something that is accelerated in the rest of tennis, and we are not making any decisions at this point, but we are constantly looking at those things as to what the future might hold,’ Baker said.
‘We are constantly trying to balance the parts of our heritage that are absolutely sacred.
‘Some are absolutely worth protecting because half a million people come here every year, and it’s a big part of their experience.’
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In 2021, the Australian Open became the first grand slam event to introduce electronic line calling, (pictured) with the US Open following suit
According to The Age, Wimbledon has used AI for its stats packages as well as the player power index for a number of years.
AI technology from IBM also produces audio commentary and captions for video highlights from matches for fans to view online.
And in a real look to the future, AI could one day commentate on games away from the show courts at the All England Club.
As it stands, there are no immediate plans to cull live human commentary from the likes of Centre Court.
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