Here at HIT, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were a chance to see where technology fits into elite sport, and how innovation can support performance, accessibility, and social good.

One of the standout examples was the Tokyo 2020 robot project, including Toyota’s CUE 3, designed to help with wheelchair assistance, remote communication, and field support.

“The objective of the initiative is to promote the widespread use and accessibility of robots in society for good.”

Tokyo 2020 Robot Project

The medals also told a powerful story. Japan produced Olympic medals from recycled electronic devices donated by the public, turning community participation into a visible symbol of sustainability.

Athletes also slept on recycled cardboard beds and plastic mattresses, reducing the Games’ carbon footprint while keeping the focus on practical design.

The mascot Miraitowa, whose name combines the Japanese words for future and eternity, reinforced the same idea: practical, friendly technology built to connect with people.

Another major feature was 3D athlete tracking, with stadium cameras capturing movement from multiple angles for analysis, replay, and performance insight.

That matters to HIT because the same principle applies to head-impact monitoring: real-time data helps coaches and players act sooner, not later.

The broader message is simple. The Olympics showed that technology can improve sport without replacing it, and that is exactly the kind of future HIT wants to support.