Winmau has unveiled Winmau Autodarts, a new digital darts ecosystem designed to allow players of all abilities to compete with opponents anywhere in the world. The announcement was made at IFA Berlin 2026, the world's biggest consumer technology and electronics trade show, where Winmau Autodarts is being showcased to thousands of visitors from the home technology, computing and gaming sectors. Backed by Winmau ambassador and world number two Gian van Veen, the launch represents an ambitious attempt to make darts more accessible while connecting players from complete beginners through to elite professionals.
Winmau says Autodarts has been designed to tackle some of the barriers that can prevent newcomers from getting involved, removing the need to calculate scores manually while guiding players through games, rules and checkout combinations. The ecosystem also provides a variety of ways to play, including family-friendly game modes, online matchmaking and tools designed to help players monitor and improve their performance. At the centre of the platform is the Winmau Autodarts app, with its headline feature, LENS, using proprietary auto-scoring technology to turn a smartphone camera into a digital scoring assistant. By simply pointing a phone towards a dartboard, users can access automated scoring, online play, gameplay insights and guidance without requiring additional hardware.
The app also features in-depth statistics, interactive online competition and what Winmau describes as the world's first AI referee. Available worldwide and initially in English, German and Dutch, the app is compatible with web, iOS and Android devices. Users can access free content, while a Plus subscription costs £5.99 per month. The platform already provides access to a global community of more than 200,000 registered users, alongside a Discord community of 40,000 members. Players can compete against friends, enter matchmaking against opponents of a similar standard from anywhere in the world, or take part in tournaments running throughout the day. The system supports one-on-one matches, games involving up to six players and the option to face an AI opponent.
Autodarts also provides automated checkout guidance and scoring-zone recommendations, while an automated referee calls the scores to recreate the atmosphere of competitive matchplay. Real-time statistics are available during games, with historical data allowing players to track their development, identify strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. The Plus package includes score calling from renowned darts referee Huw Ware, alongside the AI referee, which can independently review disputed throws. Subscribers can also access customisable digital darts, exclusive tournaments and private competitions. Winmau believes LENS could prove particularly influential in introducing younger players to the sport, with the company highlighting the under-30 demographic as the largest and fastest-growing segment of darts players. A limited version of LENS will be available free of charge, while unlimited use will be unlocked through the Plus subscription.
For more serious players, Winmau has also introduced Autodarts X, a professional-grade connected darts system designed to provide tournament-level accuracy and advanced training features. The system combines four HD cameras with PinPoint Detection technology and integrated 360-degree Plasma-class lighting, creating an immersive home setup. Autodarts X can be attached to a standard dartboard and stand without drilling, with Winmau claiming users can go from unboxing to playing in less than two minutes.
Tom Brown, CEO of Nodor Group – the parent company of Winmau and Autodarts – believes the platform represents a significant step forward for the sport. "We acquired Autodarts and brought the business into the Nodor Group last year and everything we've announced today builds on that foundation and our aim to democratise the sport of darts," said Brown. "Winmau Autodarts is our platform, it scores the game, tracks every dart, offers a variety of games, and already connects more than 200,000 registered players in a global community that's throwing millions of darts every day. One of the things we're most excited about is that Winmau Autodarts makes darts more accessible for every type of player. Whether it's families playing together at home, friends competing online from different countries or serious players looking to improve their performance, we've created an ecosystem that removes barriers and makes the sport easier, more engaging and more connected than ever before."
Brown also highlighted the accessibility of LENS, which requires no additional hardware to get started. "Winmau Lens takes our Autodarts platform and puts it in everyone's pocket – download the Autodarts app, point the phone camera at any board and you can immediately be online and just play – no extra hardware, no cost to start." For those seeking a more advanced setup, Brown believes Autodarts X will offer a new level of precision. "For players who want the very best in accuracy and experience our new Winmau Autodarts X rig delivers tournament grade play, with a four-camera-based detection setting a new standard. The Winmau Autodarts platform is at the core, Winmau Lens offers instant access for all, and the Winmau Autodarts X rig offers tournament grade precision and experience. This ecosystem is a real step change in how the sport is played, connected and grown globally, and represents the next chapter in our company history."
Winmau has been at the forefront of dartboard manufacturing since 1945 and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the sport, with its boards used across professional and grassroots darts. The company is an official partner of the PDC, ADC and JDC, and says Autodarts represents the next stage of its long-standing commitment to developing the sport. From professional-grade dartboards to an integrated digital ecosystem, Winmau is now looking to broaden its reach and give players around the world the ability to compete and practise without geographical limitations. The company has also outlined an extensive roadmap for the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027. New features and game modes are expected to include additional online and offline experiences, leagues, camera and board streaming, rewards, badges, streaks and enhanced gamification. Further products and innovations are already in development, including a forward-facing camera, as Winmau looks to establish Autodarts as a major force in the rapidly evolving connected darts market.
