The Greek government and Microsoft have a new deal to use augmented reality to help restore the original home of the Olympic Games. The ancient Olympia is to be digitally preserve which will allow the viewers to explore the area like it was 2000 years ago. The cooperation uses artificial intelligence to map the site.
Digitally preserving means people can tour the site remotely or in-person with an augmented-reality mobile app. For example, HoloLens headsets will be use at the Olympic Museum in Athens to join a digital version of the site. HoloLens is Microsoft’s augmented reality smart glasses. The smart glasses use multiple sensors, advanced optics, and holograms, to exhibit information, merge with the real world.
According to BBC news, almost 27 monuments were to be preserve including temples of Hera and Zeus, and the workshop of the prominent sculptor Phidias. Besides, the buildings depict the artifacts from each period and are as close as possible to their original form. However, these buildings also include historical timelines of the site’s changing over time.
Metaverse
Likewise, Microsoft has motivations to rival Facebook with its plans for Metaverse. Also, recently Microsoft reveals that its team metaverse for meetings. The company interest is to transform Minecraft and other games into immersive 3D worlds. Facebook recently changed its name to ‘’Meta’’ to make the company’s presence more prominent in Metaverse.
Microsoft’s new project AI for Cultural heritage initiative will be in partnership with Iconem. Iconem is a Technology Company that specializes in digitalizing historical sites. Microsoft will use ground cameras and drones to take images and then uses artificial intelligence to process the data. The data is use to create models. Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, ‘’ the cultural implications of this technology are endless. For the first time, visitors from around the world virtually visit the birthplace of democracy, the ancient site of Olympia, and experience history first hand. ‘’
Meanwhile, Brad Smith, president of Microsoft said, ‘’ The project to digitally preserve Ancient Olympia is a stunning achievement in cultural heritage, bringing together humanity and cutting-edge technology to benefit the world, and empower coming generations with new ways to explore our past.’’
Also, the Covid-19 pandemic has led the idea of virtual reality to expand and enhance the industry.
