🏀 AI Robots Now Train NBA Players
At the All-Star 2025 Tech Summit in San Francisco, the NBA demonstrated how AI-powered robots assist the Golden State Warriors in real-world training sessions.
The "Basketbot" ABE feeds balls for passing drills and "catches" them after shots. Stephen Curry admits it felt weird at first to interact with a robot, but he quickly got used to it. In the end, Curry says, the robots only push players to try harder.
MIMIC robots simulate opponents moving in coordinated patterns across the court, making game situations more realistic.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr employs these robots to practice offensive and defensive plays. "I just treat them like any other player," Kerr says. He even yells at the "AI ballers" in true coach fashion (see video ⤴️).
KIT, a little "smiling" robot that cheers for players and communicates with them, helps to boost team morale. Meanwhile, BEBE, the "courier" robot, ensures athletes have everything they need during practice.
Despite the playful tone in the media, the world's premier basketball league has been taking AI seriously for a while now. Last year, the NBA introduced a text-based AI commentator to deliver real-time game updates in its official mobile app.
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