Olympic technology is supposed to help athletes train better. You've seen the wind tunnels, the data analysis, the aerodynamic testing. That's what you think this is about. But the 2026 Winter Olympics tech isn't for athletes. It's for judges. Eight 8K cameras capture 40,000 frames per second at finish lines, measuring down to millionths of a second. Figure skating sensors measure whether a spin was exactly 360 degrees or just 359.5 degrees. You can't see half a degree. Neither can the judges. But the camera can.

The goal? A 21st century photo finish that builds a historical database of athletic performance. The reality? Judges now disqualify based on measurements invisible to human eyes. When cameras measure millionths of a second and half-degree rotations, you're not judging athleticism. You're auditing technical compliance. And here's the pattern: a Honda assembly robot recently got confused and decided to loosen bolts instead of tighten them, repeatedly, until someone caught it. Same principle: machines making decisions humans can't verify.

The next time an Olympic score seems inexplicable, the reason might be 0.5 degrees on a spin nobody saw. When precision exceeds human perception, who catches the machine's error before it matters? That's not a sports question anymore.

Topics: Olympic technology, 8K cameras, figure skating judging, athletic performance measurement, automated systems GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com, @realkrisabel

RUNDOWN: Tech journalist Kris Abel reveals how 2026 Winter Olympics cameras measuring 40,000 frames per second and sensors detecting 0.5 degree variations in figure skating spins shift judging from human assessment to automated disqualification at margins nobody can see.

Olympic technology is supposed to help athletes train better. You've seen the wind tunnels, the data analysis, the aerodynamic testing. That's what you think this is about. But the 2026 Winter Olympics tech isn't for athletes. It's for judges. Eight 8K cameras capture 40,000 frames per second at finish lines, measuring down to millionths of a second. Figure skating sensors measure whether a spin was exactly 360 degrees or just 359.5 degrees. You can't see half a degree. Neither can the judges. But the camera can.
The goal? A 21st century photo finish that builds a historical database of athletic performance. The reality? Judges now disqualify based on measurements invisible to human eyes. When cameras measure millionths of a second and half-degree rotations, you're not judging athleticism. You're auditing technical compliance. And here's the pattern: a Honda assembly robot recently got confused and decided to loosen bolts instead of tighten them, repeatedly, until someone caught it. Same principle: machines making decisions humans can't verify.
The next time an Olympic score seems inexplicable, the reason might be 0.5 degrees on a spin nobody saw. When precision exceeds human perception, who catches the machine's error before it matters? That's not a sports question anymore.
Topics: Olympic technology, 8K cameras, figure skating judging, athletic performance measurement, automated systems GUEST: Kris Abel | realkrisabel.com, @realkrisabel
RUNDOWN: Tech journalist Kris Abel reveals how 2026 Winter Olympics cameras measuring 40,000 frames per second and sensors detecting 0.5 degree variations in figure skating spins shift judging from human assessment to automated disqualification at margins nobody can see.

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.