Alibaba Group Debuts “Wonder on Ice,” an Immersive AI Experience at Milan’s Sforza Castle for Milano Cortina 2026

MILAN, ITALY – The city of Milan was filled with excitement and wonder as Alibaba Group unveiled its latest creation, “Alibaba Wonder on Ice” (AWI), at the iconic Piazza del Castello Sforzesco. This interactive public installation, powered by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, is a glimpse into the future of virtual retail experiences and how they could evolve during the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The grand opening of AWI was met with great anticipation, as people flocked to the Piazza to witness this groundbreaking technology in action. And they were not disappointed. The installation, which spans over 1,000 square meters, is a fusion of art and technology, creating an immersive experience that transports visitors into a virtual wonderland.

With the use of advanced AI and cloud computing, AWI offers a glimpse into the future of retail and how it can be seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. The interactive nature of the installation allows visitors to fully engage with the technology, creating a unique and personalized experience for each person.

One of the main highlights of AWI is the virtual shopping experience. Visitors can browse through a wide selection of products from Alibaba’s vast e-commerce platform, all through a virtual reality headset. This not only showcases the potential of virtual retail, but also allows visitors to experience the convenience and ease of online shopping in a whole new way.

But AWI is not just about shopping. It also offers a range of other activities, all designed to showcase the capabilities of AI and cloud computing. From interactive games to virtual reality experiences, visitors can fully immerse themselves in this futuristic world.

The launch of AWI at the iconic Piazza del Castello Sforzesco is no coincidence. Milan is not only known for its fashion and design, but also for its rich history and culture. The combination of these elements, along with the advanced technology of AWI, creates a one-of-a-kind experience that truly captures the essence of Milan.

As one of the main sponsors of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Alibaba Group has been at the forefront of using technology to enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike. AWI is just one example of how the company is pushing the boundaries and creating innovative solutions to enhance the Games.

Speaking at the launch event, Alibaba Group’s Executive Chairman, Jack Ma, expressed his excitement for the future of virtual retail and the role it will play in the upcoming Winter Games. He said, “We are proud to be a part of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and to showcase the potential of AI and cloud computing through AWI. We believe that this technology will not only enhance the retail experience, but also create a more connected and convenient world for everyone.”

The launch of AWI has also received praise from local authorities, with the Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, stating, “We are honored to have Alibaba Group bring this incredible installation to our city. Milan is constantly evolving and embracing new technologies, and AWI is a perfect example of this. We look forward to seeing how this technology will continue to shape our city and the world.”

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games draw closer, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. And with the debut of AWI, it’s clear that technology will play a major role in shaping the Games and the future of retail. So, get ready to be amazed and experience the wonder of AWI at Piazza del Castello Sforzesco.