Full Breakdown
Innovations Transforming the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics
2/4/2026, 2:05:25 PM
Cutting-Edge Technologies in Olympic Broadcasting
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will feature significant technological advancements aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for fans. Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), highlighted the extensive use of first-person drones (FPV) that will closely follow athletes, providing viewers with an immersive experience. This marks a notable evolution from the use of drones first introduced during the 2014 Sochi Games. For the first time, drones will capture the speed and intensity of events like luge, allowing audiences to feel as if they are on the track with the competitors.
In addition to drone technology, OBS will implement AI-assisted replays capable of generating 260-degree videos of athletes in seconds. This technology will freeze moments mid-air, displaying critical performance data such as jump height and landing speed, thereby offering deeper insights into athletic performance.
Interactive Online Experience and Social Media Integration
For the first time, the official Olympics website will feature an AI assistant trained on accurate Olympic data, providing real-time results and answering fan inquiries. This assistant aims to enhance user engagement by offering AI-generated highlights and article summaries. The Games will also expand their social media presence with a series of short films on TikTok titled “On the Road to the Olympics” and collaborations with platforms like YouTube and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram.
Dedicated social media creators will be present at every venue, producing tailored content for digital platforms, further integrating the Olympic experience into the online realm.
Athlete Support and Safety Measures
The Milano-Cortina Games will reintroduce an AI-powered monitoring system that detects and flags abusive messages targeting athletes, a feature that successfully identified 2.4 million posts during the Paris 2024 Games. Additionally, athletes will have access to digital tools like the Athlete365 app for networking and the Get Set, Train Smarter app, which focuses on injury prevention.
Sustainable Innovations: The Transparent Torch
A new design for the Olympic torch, named “Essential,” will debut at the Milano-Cortina Games. This minimalist torch features a long window that allows spectators to see how the flame is maintained. Made from recycled materials such as aluminum and brass, each torch can be reused up to ten times, emphasizing Italy's commitment to sustainability. The torch relay commenced in Rome on December 6, 2025, and will conclude in Milan on February 5, 2026.
Conclusion: A Technologically Enhanced Olympic Experience
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics promises to be a landmark event in terms of technological integration, from AI-driven broadcasts and interactive online experiences to sustainable innovations like the transparent torch. These advancements aim to create a more engaging and informative experience for both athletes and fans, setting a new standard for future Olympic Games.
