Technological Innovations Set to Transform 2026 Winter Olympics Viewing

Multiple new technologies will be introduced at the 2026 Winter Olympics to change how audiences experience the Games, with a focus on immersive viewing, data accessibility, and sustainability.

First-person view drones are planned to follow competitors in real time for events such as luge and bobsleigh, offering dynamic perspectives not previously available to viewers. Real-time 360-degree replays developed in collaboration with Alibaba will use multi-camera systems and stroboscopic analysis to enhance replay capabilities during the Games.

In curling, a tracking system will display each stone’s path, speed, rotation, and trajectory using graphics generated from suspended rail and ice-level cameras. AI-assisted replays will also be available, producing multi-angle freeze frames and performance data such as jump height, airtime, and landing speed within seconds of each event.

Olympic GPT, an AI chatbot on Olympics.com, will provide real-time results, explain competition rules, and generate article summaries to improve accessibility for mobile users. NBCUniversal will introduce an upgraded AI-powered guide named OLI, powered by Google Cloud’s Gemini LLM, which will help users discover Olympic programming, access personalized highlights, check medal counts, view athlete profiles, and set calendar reminders across 19 digital properties.

What the numbers show

• Cloud-based OB vans are expected to cut energy consumption by about 50%
• The cloud-based master control room tested at Dakar Rally saved 75% in space and 65% in energy use
• NBCUniversal’s OLI tool will be available on 19 digital platforms

Video production for the Games will shift to cloud-based virtual outside broadcasting vans, which are projected to reduce energy consumption by roughly half and enable more remote production workflows. A cloud-based master control room, previously tested at the Dakar Rally, achieved notable reductions in both space and energy use compared to traditional setups.

An AI-powered automated description platform will segment live broadcasts into searchable clips, suggest shot descriptions and keywords, and identify key moments based on real-time traffic analysis. This approach is intended to streamline content discovery and enhance the viewing experience for digital audiences.

Sustainability initiatives at the Games will include the use of transparent, reusable Olympic torches made from recycled materials and powered by biofuel, as reported by the Digital Watch Observatory. These measures are designed to highlight environmentally conscious practices during the event.

With the introduction of these technologies, the 2026 Winter Olympics will feature new ways for audiences to interact with live sports, access detailed information, and benefit from more efficient production methods.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.