Revolutionary Technology at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The excitement for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina is palpable, as organizers promise a technological experience unlike any other. After the advancements seen during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where 5G and 4K technology captivated audiences, the upcoming Games are set to push the envelope even further. Yiannis Exarchos, managing director of Olympic Broadcasting Services, enthusiastically discusses these innovations that will elevate both athlete performance and fan engagement.
Cutting-Edge Innovations Set to Transform Viewing Experiences
One of the standout features at the 2026 Winter Games will be the deployment of first-person view (FPV) drones. These radio-controlled drones will provide real-time, immersive footage from race tracks and event venues, giving viewers a front-row seat like never before. “Dynamic perspectives on the race tracks will enhance the viewing experience,” Exarchos explains, elevating how fans connect with their favorite sports.
Another revolutionary addition is 360-degree real-time replay technology, developed in collaboration with Alibaba. This system employs multi-camera setups alongside stroboscopic analysis to deliver comprehensive visuals: multiple angles, freeze frames, and slow-motion captures of athletes in motion. Such advancements promise to not only engage fans but deepen their understanding of the events.
For curling enthusiasts, a new tracking system for curling stones will allow audiences to see their path, speed, and rotation in real-time. This innovation, complemented by suspended rail cameras and ice-level views, is designed to enhance the viewer’s grasp of the game’s intricacies.
AI and Cloud Technologies Reshaping Broadcast Production
This year’s Games will also introduce Olympic GPT, a specialized AI tool aimed at enriching the user experience on Olympic.com. The interactive bot can provide real-time results, clarify sport regulations, and even engage with fans by answering questions about ongoing competitions. Exarchos emphasizes the importance of AI-generated article summaries, which will streamline information accessibility and optimize mobile reading.
Moreover, the shift to virtual video production marks a significant leap forward in how Olympic broadcasts are managed. With the integration of cloud-based outside broadcasting (OB) vans, the production process will be decentralized, allowing for reduced energy consumption—by approximately 50 percent—while enabling remote coverage of events like curling and speed skating.
This cloud infrastructure was successfully trialed at the Dakar Rally, showcasing remarkable efficiencies—saving 75 percent of physical space and cutting energy use by 65 percent. Such advancements signal a new era for Olympic production capabilities.
Finally, big data plays a crucial role in the efficiency of these Games. Automated description platforms utilizing AI will cater to the massive influx of live video. According to Exarchos, this technology will enable teams to generate searchable clips, suggest keywords, and help fans quickly locate highlights, ultimately facilitating faster storytelling.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina promises to be a transformative event, blending advanced technology with the thrill of athletic competition to create unforgettable experiences for both participants and spectators alike.