MILAN, Italy – French ice hockey player Anae Simon tested a new approach to Olympic pin trading on Monday, utilizing an AI-powered robotic arm to select a collectible pin at the Milano-Cortina Olympic Village. The station, developed by Alibaba Cloud, is offering athletes a technologically advanced twist on a decades-aged Olympic tradition.
The “Intelligent Pin Trading Station” allows participants to deposit a pin into a capsule, then request a different pin via voice command or hand gesture. An AI-driven robotic arm then retrieves a pin at random from a ball pit containing numerous designs. Simon received a pin featuring a pizza design, inscribed with “pizza club” and “eat more,” describing the experience as “like opening a mystery box.”
Olympic pin trading has evolved from simple identification tokens in the 19th century into a popular subculture among athletes, staff, and fans. The practice provides a means of connection and allows participants to take home a memento of the Games. The 2026 Milano Cortina Games have seen increased interest in pin trading, with online communities dedicated to strategizing and sharing “elite hauls,” according to reports.
Alibaba Cloud’s technology aims to enhance the experience, making it more interactive and accessible. The station is intended to be a “light-touch” experience, according to Alibaba, and is designed to add to the enjoyment of pin trading for athletes.
Team USA figure skater Isabeau Levito described pin trading as “just straight dopamine,” highlighting the positive emotional impact the tradition has on athletes. The station’s introduction reflects a broader effort to integrate technology into the Olympic experience, with other innovations including wearables designed to aid athlete training.
The AI-powered pin exchange booth has quickly become a popular attraction within the Olympic Village, drawing athletes from around the world. The station represents a collaboration between Chinese technology and the international Olympic community, offering a novel approach to a cherished Olympic custom.
