In a groundbreaking and somewhat controversial move, the X Games are debuting an AI judge at this year’s snowboard halfpipe competition in Aspen, Colorado. This announcement has already sparked debates among snowboard purists, who may view it as a disruption to tradition.
How the AI Judge Works
The AI technology was developed specifically for this event by X Games CEO Jeremy Bloom, a legendary freestyle skier, and Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Using Google Cloud tools, the duo trained the AI to evaluate snowboard runs based on specific criteria.
“Subjective sports often leave room for human error, even with the best judges,” Bloom explained. “What if we could give judges superpowers—helping them see things invisible to the human eye? This technology could provide that edge.”
A Test Run for the Future of Judging
For now, the AI’s evaluations won’t impact the official scoring. It’s simply an experiment to see how the technology performs in real-world conditions. If successful, it could pave the way for more AI integration in X Games events—and perhaps even make its way to the Olympics someday.
Why AI in Sports Sparks Controversy
AI is rapidly transforming industries, and sports are no exception. However, not everyone is on board. Critics argue that incorporating AI into activities like judging snowboard competitions could undermine human expertise and the artistry of the sport.
The debate mirrors broader concerns about AI:
- Will it replace human jobs?
- Does it threaten creativity?
- Can it coexist with human judgment?
While these questions linger, advocates see AI as a powerful tool to enhance productivity and handle tedious tasks—not as a replacement for humans.
The Fine Line Between Innovation and Replacement
As exciting as AI advancements may be, it’s crucial to strike a balance. Think of it this way: moving from a typewriter to a computer enhances what humans can do, but creating a self-generating typewriter that doesn’t “need” a person raises red flags.
For now, the AI judge is an intriguing experiment, not a replacement. Whether it’s embraced as a helpful tool or sparks more backlash remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the future of AI in sports is here, and its impact is only just beginning.
What do you think about AI in sports? Should technology take the lead in judging, or should humans remain at the helm? Share your thoughts!
