AI and Robotics

Omega’s AI-powered cameras and computer vision are transforming the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Olympic Games are usually a showcase of human endurance, but this year, the technology behind the scenes is grabbing just as much attention. At the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games, a sophisticated network of AI-powered cameras, sensors, and drones is tracking every move with a level of precision that was previously impossible. This isn’t just about technical stats; it is fundamentally changing how judges score events and how fans watch from their couches.

Omega, which has been the official timekeeper since 1932, is leading this digital shift. They have deployed the “Scan’O’Vision ULTIMATE,” a camera capable of shooting an incredible 40,000 frames per second. In high-speed races like speed skating, this allows for undeniable “photo finishes” where even a fraction of a millimeter matters. Beyond the finish line, AI models are crunching live data to create instant graphics that show an athlete’s real-time speed and positioning. For viewers, this means commentators can explain exactly why one skater is faster or where a specific mistake happened as it occurs.

Figure skating is perhaps the best example of this high-tech integration. A ring of 14 8K-resolution cameras tracks every rotation and landing, feeding data into an AI system that builds a 3D model of the athlete. This system measures airtime, jump height, and even the exact angle of a blade. Because it can verify if a rotation was truly completed, this data is now a vital tool for judges when awarding scores.

These tools are no longer just experiments; they are becoming the standard for elite sports. By moving from manual stopwatches to integrated AI models, the Olympics are entering a new era where data and athleticism are inseparable.