Pyeongchang 2018 have signed a deal with Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute designed to help ensure the Winter Olympics and Paralympics is the most high-tech in history South Korean software company Hancom will provide automated transla

Pyeongchang 2018 have signed an agreement with the state-run telecommunications research institute to make the best use of their information and communications technology (ICT) at South Korea's first Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. 

Organisers have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) to should help ensure the Games are the most high-tech in history.

Under the deal, Pyeongchang 2018 and the ETRI will cooperate in five areas that to ensure that ICT is a success.

It is planned that 5G mobile communications technologies will be used at the event, helping visitors to enjoy high-speed communication services through their electronic devices. 

For digital broadcasting, South Korean officials are preparing for ultra wide vision screens and ultra high-definition broadcasts.

Pyeongchang 2018 and the ETRI will also work on automatic translation services based on artificial intelligence. 

It will be offered in seven languages, including English, Chinese and French, in real time for athletes and visitors to the Winter Games. 

In a separate deal, Pyeongchang 2018 have signed a sponsorship with local software company Hancom Inc. to provide automated translation software.

Organisers promised it will try to utilise digital signage to provide personalised content delivery. 

Digital signage refers to display devices that show advertisements and information in public or commercial areas through networks. 

South Korean software company Hancom will provide automated translation software during Pyeongchang 2018 after becoming the latest sponsor ©Pyeongchang 2018
South Korean software company Hancom will provide automated translation software during Pyeongchang 2018 after becoming the latest sponsor ©Pyeongchang 2018

Digital signage refers to display devices that show advertisements and information in public or commercial areas through networks. 

Pyeongchang 2018 said it aims to show the situations surrounding Olympic venues in real time with this technology.

“Hancom's support will be vital in preparing the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games without language barriers," said Kim Kihong, vice-secretary general for planning at Pyeongchang 2018.

"It is our goal to make sure that all participants and spectators can feel and experience the best of the Games at during their stay, and relieving communication difficulties due to different languages will be an important step in reaching that goal.”

 Pyeongchang 2018 also plan to use underground safety technology to monitor the state of the underground environment of Olympic venues and nearby roads in Gangwon Province. 

This system can detect seismic activities and provide early warning if the need arises, they claim. 

Pyeongchang 2018 also plans to provide remote medical treatment services during the Games with help from the ETRI.