A touch of tech
The medals awarded will have a quintessentially Japanese feature — recycling. They have been made using old cell phones and other electronics sourced from the general public. Designed by designer Junichi Kawanishi, who does signage and product design for public and commercial facilities in Japan. A distinguishing feature this year is the addition of one, two, or three silicon convex lines in the ribbons to separate the winners. This is the first time that 100% recycled material has been used.
(Photo: AP)
The preference for recycling doesn’t end with the medals. The beds in the Athlete Villages are made of sturdy cardboard, which will be recycled into paper or plastic products once the Olympics end. Quite a few stadium renovations have incorporated wood to be more environmentally friendly.
(Photo: AFP)
Humanoid robots developed by Toyota will be used on the field to fetch hammers/javelins during events and to help with the management of events. The Tokyo Games will also be the first Olympics to use facial recognition technology to increase security around all venues.
(Photo: REUTERS)