In its August 18 issue, BusinessWeek shows how companies are testing out innovative technologies at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

This year's innovations 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 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.