Technology Revolution at Milano Cortina 2026: AI and Drones Redefine the Olympic Games
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will fundamentally transform the sports viewing experience with groundbreaking technologies such as AI-powered replays, FPV drone races, and transparent digital torches. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, announced that these innovations will, for the first time in history, significantly reduce the distance between athletes and spectators.
The Digital Transformation of the Olympics: A New Era at Milano Cortina 2026
As the Winter Olympic Games return to Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026, they are set to host an event where not only athletes but also technology will deliver peak performance. Moving beyond traditional sports competitions, Milano Cortina 2026 will elevate the concept of "smart Olympics" to a new level with artificial intelligence (AI), drone technologies, and advanced broadcasting systems. This transformation will reshape the spectator experience while bringing revolutionary changes to athlete performance analysis.
What Will AI and Drones Change?
The package of technological innovations announced by Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), is structured around three main pillars. Firstly, AI-powered instant replays and analysis systems will completely transform television broadcasts and content on digital platforms. AI will detect the most critical moments within seconds, enabling the creation of personalized replay packages. The second major innovation involves FPV (First Person View) drones, which will race alongside athletes in some disciplines, acting as "digital competitors." These drones will move at the same speed as athletes on ski or snowboard courses, delivering breathtaking footage from the athlete's perspective to viewers.
The third and symbolic innovation is the digital evolution of the Olympic torch. A specially designed torch equipped with transparent OLED screen technology will broadcast live images, data, and stories from various points throughout the torch relay. The torch will transform from merely a source of flame into a live communication and content platform.
Groundbreaking Developments in Spectator Experience
The focus of the technology lies in creating a unique experience for spectators both in the stadium and at home. Viewers will now be able to watch a ski jumping athlete's take-off moment in 360-degree virtual reality (VR). The integration of real-time biometric data and AI-generated insights will allow fans to understand the physical and strategic aspects of the competition like never before. This immersive approach aims to bridge the gap between the live event and the global audience, making every viewer feel connected to the heart of the action.
Furthermore, interactive digital platforms will enable spectators to choose their viewing angles, access in-depth statistics, and even predict race outcomes using AI models. The combination of drone footage, VR, and personalized data streams promises to make Milano Cortina 2026 the most interactive and technologically advanced Olympic Games in history.
