AI Robots Join NBA: Basketball Bot Becomes Stephen Curry's Shooting Partner

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has unveiled its latest technological marvel in Salt Lake City during this year's All-Star festivities. In a captivating video, the NBA showcased a trio of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) robots designed to enhance players' experiences both on and off the court.

Commissioner Adam Silver introduced these innovative robots as part of a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 NBA All-Star Technology Summit. The Golden State Warriors have already integrated these robots into their practices and training sessions, with Silver dubbing them the "latest NBA All-Stars."

Collaborating closely with players and coaches during the development phase, the NBA ensured that these AI innovations are tailored to meet the specific needs of the basketball community. Described as a fusion of engineering and human performance, the league aims to revolutionise player training and performance.

The first robot, known as Automated Basketball Engine (A.B.E.), is showcased in the video as Stephen Curry's shooting partner. A.B.E. is programmed to retrieve balls and swiftly move around players, assisting them in maximising their practice shots effortlessly.

A.B.E. can track Curry's movements, allowing the player to concentrate solely on his shooting practice. In the video, Curry admits that while the experience initially felt strange, he quickly recognised the benefits of having such a dedicated training partner.

Unlike human counterparts, A.B.E. does not require breaks for rest or hydration, enabling players to push themselves harder during training sessions. The next set of robots, Motion & Intercept Modular-Interface Coordination (M.I.M.I.C.), are showcased engaging in running dummy offense and defense drills under the supervision of head coach Steve Kerr.

Kerr's intense coaching style extends to the robots, as he demands precision and performance akin to human players. The NBA asserts that these robots can track subtle movements, replicate game-like pressure scenarios, and provide instantaneous feedback more efficiently than any human coach or trainer.

The third robot, the Kinematic Interface Tool (K.I.T.), plays a crucial role in supporting players off the court. Designed to uplift players' spirits, K.I.T. interacts with players like Draymond Green in the locker room. Capable of engaging with players, playing movies, and delivering motivational speeches during strenuous workouts, K.I.T. aims to provide holistic support to players.

NBA introduces AI robots to enhance player experiences
A.B.E. assists Stephen Curry in shooting practice, improving training efficiency
M.I.M.I.C. robots simulate game-like scenarios for player training

Source: INTERESTING ENGINEERING