The Technologies Changing How You’ll Watch the 2026 Winter Olympic Games

Milano Cortina 2026: A Winter Olympics Transformed by Cutting-Edge Tech and AI

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics dazzled the world with 5G connectivity and 4K broadcasts, but the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina are set to redefine the Olympic experience entirely. With an arsenal of never-before-seen technologies, from AI-powered tools to immersive drone footage, the Games promise to deliver unprecedented engagement for athletes and fans alike. Yiannis Exarchos, managing director of Olympic Broadcasting Services and executive director of Olympic Channel Services, describes the upcoming event as a technological leap forward: “In Milano Cortina, people will have unprecedented experiences.”

Here’s a deep dive into the groundbreaking innovations that will shape the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Drone Views of Athlete Performances

One of the most exciting additions to the Milano Cortina Games is the use of first-person view (FPV) drones. These agile, radio-controlled aircraft will transmit real-time footage from their onboard cameras, offering fans dynamic, up-close perspectives of race tracks and athlete performances. Imagine soaring alongside a skier as they carve through a downhill course or hovering above a snowboarder mid-trick—this is the kind of immersive viewing experience FPV drones will bring.

But that’s not all. For the first time in Olympic history, 360-degree real-time replay will be available, thanks to a collaboration with Alibaba. This cutting-edge system uses multi-camera replay technology and stroboscopic analysis to provide multi-angle views, freeze frames, and slow-motion replays of athletes’ jaw-dropping moves. Whether it’s a figure skater’s quadruple jump or a ski jumper’s perfect landing, fans will be able to relive every moment from every angle.

Another first for the Winter Games is a revolutionary tracking system for curling stones. Exarchos explains, “It will be possible to view the path, speed, and rotation of each stone in real time.” Suspended rail cameras and ice-level views will further enhance the viewing experience, while detailed stone trajectory graphics and real-time data will help fans better understand the intricacies of the game.

The Olympics’ New AI Tool: Olympic GPT

Got a question about the Games? Olympic GPT has you covered. This AI-powered chatbot is designed to produce content for Olympics.com, offering real-time results, sport regulations, and even the ability to interact with questions about ongoing competitions. For the first time, fans will be able to engage with the bot to get instant updates and insights during live events.

Exarchos highlights another key feature: “Artificial-intelligence-based article summaries on Olympics.com will give fans a quick and clear overview.” These summaries will highlight key points, making it easier for users to decide what to explore further. Plus, they’ll improve accessibility and readability on mobile devices, ensuring fans can stay informed no matter where they are.

Virtual Video Production

The 2026 Winter Olympics will also mark a significant shift in how video production is handled. Much of the process will move to the cloud, with virtual outside broadcasting (OB) vans decentralizing the delivery of images from events to fans’ screens. This cloud-based approach not only reduces energy consumption by an estimated 50% but also enables remote production for events like curling and speed skating.

The entire operation will be managed through a cloud-based master control room, recently tested at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. The results were impressive: space savings of 75% and a 65% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous championship. This innovative approach promises to make the Milano Cortina Games more sustainable and efficient than ever before.

The Olympics’ Big Data Moment

For the 2026 Winter Olympics, Olympic Broadcasting Services is testing an automated description platform to manage the massive volume of live video footage coming in during events. Exarchos explains, “Artificial intelligence breaks down broadcasts into searchable clips, suggests shot descriptions and keywords, and helps users quickly find highlights, making storytelling faster and easier.” This AI-driven system will also analyze real-time traffic spikes on Olympics.com to identify the most valuable moments for fans, ensuring that the most exciting content is front and center.

Conclusion

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are shaping up to be a technological marvel, blending cutting-edge innovations with the timeless spirit of the Games. From FPV drones and 360-degree replays to AI-powered tools and cloud-based production, these advancements promise to create an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike. As Yiannis Exarchos puts it, “People will have unprecedented experiences.” And with these groundbreaking technologies, the 2026 Winter Olympics are poised to deliver just that.

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