Milan-Cortina 2026: AI and Next-Gen Tech Revolutionize Winter Olympics

The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are poised to be a watershed moment for sports technology. Building on a legacy of innovation that began with Omega's automated timing at the 1956 Cortina Games, this year's event will prominently feature sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computer vision systems. Swiss Timing, a sister company to Omega under the Swatch Group umbrella, is spearheading this technological leap, aiming to provide unprecedented insights into athletic performance for both competitors and fans.

According to Alain Zobrist, CEO of Swiss Timing, the development of these new technologies is a collaborative process, emphasizing close work with athletes themselves. "They are the primary customers of our technology and services, and they need to understand how our systems work in order to trust them," Zobrist stated. This athlete-centric approach ensures that the innovations are not only groundbreaking but also practical and beneficial for those on the ice and snow.

Figure Skating: A Deep Dive into Precision

Figure skating, a perennial crowd-pleaser and a major television draw, is set to receive a significant technological upgrade. Fourteen 8K resolution cameras will be strategically placed around the rink, capturing every nuance of a skater's movement. Swiss Timing's proprietary software will interpret these high-definition images to create detailed 3D models of each athlete. AI algorithms will then process this data to meticulously track trajectory, position, and movement across all three axes (X, Y, and Z).

This advanced system will provide real-time measurements of jump heights, air times, and landing speeds. The data will be instantaneously translated into heat maps and graphic overlays, offering a comprehensive breakdown of each performance. Zobrist highlighted the speed of this process: "The time it takes for us to measure the data, until we show a matrix on TV with a graphic, this whole chain needs to take less than 1/10 of a second." Furthermore, AI models will assist commentators and broadcasters in interpreting the intricacies of each move. One AI system will handle pose estimation, enabling the computer vision to understand what it's seeing, while a second AI, akin to a large language model, will synthesize the collected data into understandable insights. A key feature includes blade angle detection, offering judges precise data to augment their technical and aesthetic evaluations. Future iterations aim to accurately determine the completeness of rotations, potentially leading to deductions for incomplete turns, a concept previously explored by Omega at the 2024 Paris Olympics for diving.

Ski Jumping: Sensors and Biomechanics

In contrast to figure skating's camera-centric approach, ski jumping will incorporate both camera-based and sensor-based technologies. Lightweight sensors attached to each ski will broadcast crucial data regarding speed, acceleration, and in-air positioning. This data will be correlated with real-time wind conditions, offering a clearer understanding of environmental impacts on each jump. High-speed cameras will continue to track the jumpers, complemented by a stroboscopic camera to provide detailed time-lapses of body positions. According to Zobrist, the initial 20-30 meters post-takeoff are critical for athletes transitioning into their V-position and leaning forward, and the precision of this movement significantly influences performance. The system will offer real-time biomechanical analysis, pinpointing common errors such as over- or under-rotation in flight position with exceptional accuracy.

Bobsleigh: The Virtual Photo Finish

The bobsleigh competition will introduce a "virtual photo finish," a visualization tool designed to offer spectators and commentators a dynamic comparison of sleds crossing the finish line from different runs. "We virtually build a photo finish that shows different sleds from different runs on a single visual reference," explained Zobrist. While this provides an enhanced viewing experience, official results will still be determined by traditional, highly accurate photoelectric cells that detect when the sled breaks a light beam across the finish line.

The precision of timekeeping for all timed events at the Olympics will be underwritten by Omega's Quantum Timer. This device boasts the capability to measure time to the millionth of a second with minimal deviation, ensuring that the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat are captured with unparalleled accuracy. These highly calibrated devices are utilized across all timed sports to ensure consistent and reliable results.

Beyond these technological advancements, the Milan-Cortina Games will also introduce new sports and disciplines. Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut, featuring sprint and mixed relay events that combine elements of cross-country skiing, climbing, and downhill racing. As reported by NBC Olympics, this marks the first new discipline added to the Winter Games since skeleton in 2002. Additionally, the team combined event in alpine skiing, which has seen recent introductions at the World Junior and FIS Alpine World Championships, will also debut on the Olympic stage. This event will consist of two runs: a downhill and a slalom, with one competitor per National Olympic Committee (NOC).

The U.S. delegation for the 2026 Games is set to be its largest ever, comprising 232 athletes, including a significant number of returning Olympians, as noted by NBC News. The official opening ceremony, marking the commencement of the Games, will feature the traditional Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, with the entire event running through February 22.

The integration of AI, high-speed cameras, and advanced sensors at Milan-Cortina 2026 signifies a new era for winter sports, promising a more analytical, engaging, and data-rich Olympic experience.