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Utilizing AI and Camera Technology in Sports

In a groundbreaking collaborative effort, MASO Corporation, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has teamed up with Rococo Inc., a prominent player in sports technology, to enhance the operational efficiency of bicycle racing. This initiative demonstrates the power of AI and camera technology in transforming traditional methods of race monitoring and accuracy.

Held at the Izu Velodrome from August 22 to 25, 2025, during the prestigious All Japan Bicycle Championships Track Event, the trial run marks MASO’s first foray into integrating generative AI with camera systems for lap detection. The results were impressive, showcasing a detection rate of 99% for the Women’s Junior Scratch Race, validating the effectiveness of this cutting-edge approach.

The Rationale Behind the Initiative

Typically, bicycle races like this require approximately 40 officials to manually record the athletes’ performances based on visual cues. This method, while used in official competitions, presents challenges such as high labor demand and a tendency for misjudgments. Recognizing this inefficiency, Rococo, a key sponsor of the event, sought to not only improve the accuracy of race results but also enhance the experience for both participants and spectators.

In collaboration with MASO, known for its expertise in no-code integration platforms utilizing camera footage and AI, they set out to replace traditional methods with a more high-tech solution. By employing cameras to capture athletes crossing the finish line, MASO’s advanced image analysis technology processes the images to record lap counts and race standings based solely on the athletes’ bib numbers.

Results and Future Prospects

By employing this AI-driven methodology, the reliance on manual officiating is drastically reduced to less than one-tenth of previous levels. This not only enhances efficiency and accuracy—achieving impressive results in terms of detection rates—but it also paves the way for real-time tracking of athletes during events. Such advancements hold the promise of providing a more immersive viewing experience for fans, potentially increasing interest and revenue from events.

Rococo’s commitment to enhancing the sports landscape through their proprietary facial recognition and image authentication systems complements MASO’s pioneering AI technology. Together, they endeavor to improve the detection accuracy further, aiming to resolve outstanding issues faced by officials and offering a more engaging experience for spectators.

Transforming Surveillance into Support Tools

Traditionally seen as surveillance devices, cameras can now be repurposed as robust operational support tools through innovations like the one demonstrated in this trial. The integration of generative AI with traditional video analytics opens up visual data capabilities that can significantly improve operational efficacy. MASO’s platform allows for seamless integration across various systems, empowering organizations to enhance operations without requiring extensive programming knowledge.

In light of projected labor shortages in Japan—anticipating a shortage of 3.85 million workers by 2035—MASO’s initiatives extend beyond sports. Future trials are planned across diverse environments such as offices and public facilities, aiming to contribute toward alleviating workforce issues in contemporary society.

About the All Japan Bicycle Championships

Organized by the Japan Cycling Federation (JCF), the All Japan Bicycle Championships is one of the most prestigious cycling events in the country, influencing selection processes for global competitions like the Olympics. The championship has a longstanding history, celebrating its 94th iteration this year and featuring various cycling disciplines throughout the year.

Company Profiles

Rococo, Inc.

Established as a leader in innovation, Rococo not only provides outsourcing services and custom software development but also focuses on advancing sports technology through systems like AUTH thru, their facial recognition technology tailored for race events.

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MASO Corporation

Dedicated to fostering a sustainable industrial future through AI and camera integration, MASO is spearheading efforts to streamline operations across various sectors, prioritizing a no-code platform for wider applicability in real-world scenarios.

Visit MASO

Through this collaboration, MASO and Rococo are redefining the landscape of sports technology and operational efficiency, forging pathways toward an increasingly data-driven and spectator-friendly future.