Milano-Cortina 2026: AI, Drones, and Transparent Torches Set to Revolutionize Winter Games

MILANO CORTINA – The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina are gearing up to be a landmark event, not just for athletic prowess but also for a significant technological leap. Organizers are integrating a suite of advanced innovations, including pervasive artificial intelligence (AI), sophisticated drone technology, and novel transparent Olympic torches, all aimed at transforming the viewing experience and enhancing athlete support.

According to reporting from Euronews and Jadis Press, AI will be a central pillar of the Milano-Cortina Games. The technology is expected to be integrated across various platforms, from television broadcasts to AI-powered chatbots and social media, promising a more dynamic and interactive way for audiences to engage with the events. This ubiquitous AI presence is designed to offer viewers deeper insights and more immersive content.

One of the most visually striking technological advancements will be the extensive use of first-person view (FPV) drones. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), highlighted in a media briefing, as reported by Jadis Press, the "very intense" deployment of these drones. Unlike their earlier iterations, these FPV drones will fly in close proximity to athletes, providing viewers with an unparalleled, on-the-ground perspective. This innovation is particularly significant for speed and agility-focused events like luge, where drones will capture the raw speed and intensity in real-time, aiming to make viewers feel as though they are participating alongside the athletes.

While drones made their debut at the 2014 Sochi Games, the technology has advanced considerably, enabling a far more integrated and immersive broadcasting experience. Design News points out that while Summer Olympics often serve as large-scale technology testbeds, the Winter Olympics present unique challenges due to the dispersed nature of outdoor events and their often remote, high-altitude locations. These factors complicate tasks such as security and broadcasting, making robust technological solutions even more critical for ensuring a safe and smooth operation.

Beyond the broadcast, technology is being deployed to ensure the overall comfort and safety of athletes and spectators. The scale of technological integration for the Milano-Cortina Games is described as massive, with much of it operating behind the scenes to guarantee a seamless experience. This behind-the-scenes technological infrastructure is crucial for managing the complexities of an event spread across multiple venues and catering to a global audience.

The innovative spirit extends to the iconic Olympic torch itself. For the first time, the torches will feature transparent designs, adding a unique aesthetic element to the traditional relay. This design choice, while primarily visual, reflects a broader trend of innovation and modernization being embraced by the Games.

In essence, the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics are set to leverage technology not just to broadcast the events, but to fundamentally enhance the entire Olympic experience. From the intimate, real-time views offered by advanced drones to the intelligent insights provided by AI, and the symbolic innovation of transparent torches, these Games are poised to set a new benchmark for how technology shapes the future of major sporting spectacles.