Olympic-size innovation in Beijing

In its August 18 issue, *BusinessWeek* shows how companies [are testing out innovative technologies](http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_33/b4096036820255.htm?chan=innovation_innovation+%2B+design_top+stories) at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

[This year’s innovations](http://blog.internetnews.com/bhorowitz/2008/08/innovative-tech-on-display-at.html) include motion sensors to guard against false starts in track and field, GPS systems to locate rowers and an energy-efficient MRI machine at the Olympic hospital, according to *BW*.

Meanwhile the [Xinhua News Agency reports](http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/09/content_9061890.htm) that China used some of the same technology to build its spaceships to construct the cauldron holding the torch. The Chinese tested its stability in a wind tunnel.

With YouTube showing Olympic coverage online, swimsuits that allow you to kick faster and microfiber volleyballs giving players a firmer grip, athletes at the first Athens Games would be lost in this world.