Proto Labs : Beijing Winter Olympics’ Tech Includes Robots, Broadcast Enhancements, and an Open Internet

Monster Mike Returns to Paralympic Winter Games

Meanwhile, Minnesota-based Paralympian and multi-medal winner "Monster Mike" Schultz is headed back to the Paralympic Winter Games with the latest version of his own innovation, the Moto Knee, a cutting-edge prosthetic. Partnering with Protolabs machining service last year, Schultz created the components necessary for the Moto Knee, which he and his company, BioDapt, Inc., now build and customize for his USA teammates, fellow Paralympians, and other adaptive athletes worldwide.

Opening China's 'Great Firewall' for Internet Access

Maybe the most important "innovation" at the Winter Games is China's pledge of unrestricted internet access for foreign athletes. As some sources have reported, this would be a rare crack in China's other notable great wall, its "great firewall." For more than a decade, China has reportedly blocked access to various messaging apps, search engines, websites, and social media that were deemed to threaten national security. At least for a few weeks, internet-based communications will be unrestricted.

Ultimately, despite diplomatic boycotts and the disruptive presence of the pandemic, athletes will still strap on their skis and skates and carry on the Olympic spirit of international competition, helped along the way by innovative technological support.

Eye on Innovation is a periodic look at new technology, products, and trends.