NBA debuts AI robots as Stephen Curry’s shooting partner
The National Basketball Association (NBA) released a new video featuring its latest AI robots in Salt Lake City.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver introduced these machines as a sneak peek at the 2025 NBA All-Star Technology Summit.
READ: NB-AI turns basketball games into your favorite movies
In an X post, the NBA explained, “This is about bridging engineering and human performance.”
AI robots: The ‘latest NBA All-Stars’
Adam Silver and Golden State Warriors Bring Physical AI to the NBA at 2025 NBA All-Star Technology Summit. pic.twitter.com/4z5lXOc9QO
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2025
The first of these AI robots is ABE, or Automated Basketball Engine, which serves as Stephen Curry’s shooting partner.
ABE retrieves basketballs and returns them to Curry, allowing the basketball star to maximize his shooting practice with countless repetitions.
Sports news website Footboom1 said Curry initially found training with AI robots unusual, but he quickly appreciated his tireless partner.
“It’s pretty weird at first, but these robots don’t need breaks or water,” Curry said.
“They just push you to go harder.”
The second robot is MIMIC or Motion & Intercept Modular-Interface Coordination.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr uses these robots to simulate offensive and defensive plays during practices.
Kerr treats these AI robots like human players, often directing them with commands to adjust their position.
He even exclaims, “Get out!” when he needs to reset the play from a different angle.
The NBA says these bots can track micro-movements, simulate game-like pressure, and provide immediate feedback that surpasses human capabilities.
The third robot is the Kinematic Interface Tool or KIT.
It rolls around the locker room, entertaining players with films and motivational speeches during tough workouts.
These AI robots are more than entertainment for players and fans; they offer a sneak peek into the future of sports.
Tech news website TechSpot says the NBA expanded internet access for training only 25 years ago.
Nowadays, Curry and the Warriors say their robot assistants are already proving invaluable.
These bots have yet to improve play performance and well-being significantly. Soon, other teams may deploy their own AI robots.
