Intel has announced a long-term technology partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which will, among many things, bring Intel’s drone light show technology to future Olympic games, in an effort to create “never-seen-before images in the sky.”

Through the partnership, which is expected to “transform the Olympic Games and the Olympic experience," Intel will join “The Olympic Partner” (TOP) worldwide sponsorship program, and thus, become a Worldwide TOP Partner through 2024.  

“We are excited to join the Olympic Movement and integrate Intel’s innovative technologies to advance the Olympic Games experience for fans around the world,” says Brian Krzanich, Intel’s chief executive officer.

“Through this close collaboration with the Olympic family, we will accelerate the adoption of technology for the future of sports on the world’s largest athletic stage.” 

Besides incorporating UAS into the Olympic experience, Intel will put much of its effort and energy into “infusing its 5G platforms, VR, 3D and 360-degree content development platforms, artificial intelligence platforms, along with other silicon solutions to enhance the Olympic Games.” 

“Thanks to our new innovative global partnership with Intel, fans in the stadium, athletes and audiences around the world will soon experience the magic of the Olympic Games in completely new ways,” says IOC President Thomas Bach.

“Intel is a world leader in its field, and we’re very excited to be working with the Intel team to drive the future of the Olympic Games through cutting-edge technology.” 

Intel’s technology is expected to be used initially in February 2018 at the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018, in South Korea, to “provide real-time virtual reality viewing of the Olympic Winter Games.”