From Drones to Data: How Technology Will Shape the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

When the Winter Olympics open in northern Italy in 2026, spectators may notice that the biggest changes are not just on the slopes or ice rinks, but in the way the Games are filmed, analysed and experienced. Organisers of the Milano–Cortina Games are preparing what they describe as the most technologically advanced Winter Olympics to date, with artificial intelligence and drones playing a central role.

Broadcast coverage is expected to look markedly different from previous Games. First-person drones will be used extensively, flying alongside athletes at close range to capture speed and movement from angles that were previously impossible. This approach builds on drone use introduced more than a decade ago but reflects advances that now allow for safer operation much closer to competition. One of the most striking applications will see drones follow competitors directly down luge tracks, offering viewers a near first-hand sense of the sport’s intensity.

Artificial intelligence will also be embedded deep into the broadcast workflow. Replay systems powered by AI will be able to reconstruct athletic movements almost instantly by merging footage from multiple cameras. These replays can freeze an athlete mid-air or mid-motion while rotating the viewpoint and overlaying performance data such as height, speed, airtime or trajectory. Similar tools will be used across disciplines, including precision sports like curling, where AI can visualise stone movement and sweeping patterns in real time.

Away from live broadcasts, the digital experience is being expanded through new online tools. For the first time, the official Olympic website will include an AI-based assistant trained on verified Olympic data, designed to answer questions, guide users through schedules and deliver up-to-date results. The platform will also use automated summaries and highlights to help audiences navigate the overwhelming volume of content during the Games.

Social media is another major focus. The organisers are working with platforms ranging from TikTok and YouTube to Meta-owned services and popular Asian apps, tailoring content to different regions and formats. Dedicated social media creators will be accredited at every venue, producing material specifically for online audiences rather than traditional television.

Technology is also being used behind the scenes to support athletes. Systems first tested at previous Games will again be deployed to identify and flag abusive messages on social media, while digital tools aimed at training optimisation, injury prevention and athlete wellbeing will remain part of the Olympic ecosystem. Athletes will also retain access to tools that allow them to connect instantly with friends and family after competitions, reflecting the growing emphasis on mental health and personal support.

Even the Olympic torch reflects this shift toward innovation and transparency. The Milano–Cortina torch features a visible internal structure, allowing spectators to see how the flame is sustained. It runs on biofuel derived from food waste and is made largely from recycled materials, with a design intended for reuse multiple times. Organisers say the torch is meant to symbolise both technological clarity and environmental responsibility.

The torch relay began in Rome in December 2025 and will cross Italy before reaching Milan ahead of the opening ceremony in February 2026. By the time it arrives, the message from organisers will already be clear: these Games are not just about athletic performance, but about redefining how a global sporting event is produced, consumed and remembered in the digital age.