Extract from Sarena Regazzoni’s article “AI Doesn’t Automatically Get the Gold: The Mixed Bag of Olympic AI Ads”
Watching the Olympics has been a thrilling ride, with jaw-dropping athletic feats and heartwarming displays of sportsmanship. But amidst this celebration of human excellence, the barrage of AI ads has been a mixed bag. While some showcase cutting-edge innovation, others miss the mark spectacularly.
Microsoft Copilot: AI as an Empowering Tool
One of the standout AI ads during the Olympics came from Microsoft, featuring its AI tool, Copilot. The ad focused on the inspirational stories of underdog athletes, including an elderly runner, a pregnant weightlifter, and a surf club in Africa. These athletes, often underestimated, demonstrated remarkable determination and spirit, embodying the Olympic ethos of striving for greatness against the odds.
Microsoft’s ad showcased how Copilot could assist these athletes by analyzing heart rate data, creating presentations for funding, and sharing medical notes with coaches.
