Researchers design AI system for precise foul detection in basketball

With substantial advances in technology, it has shown itself as a powerful companion to sports across the board, including in professional basketball, where researchers have devised an artificial intelligence (AI) system for precise foul detection.

Indeed, a study published in the International Journal of Computational Systems has suggested that machine vision, a form of AI that allows computers to interpret and analyze visual data, could introduce unparalleled precision to the detection of fouls in basketball, per a report by Tech Xplore from July 7.

How AI-based foul detection in basketball works

Specifically, the proposed technology processes video frame-by-frame, isolating subtle movements, contact points, and spatial dynamics that human eyesight – even that of an experienced referee – might miss. At the same time, it focuses particularly on detecting and categorizing fouls as they happen.

Notably, the research centered on analyzing games played by the Chinese national basketball team against international opponents, and has discovered differences in foul patterns between the two sides, like Chinese players committing more fouls during opponents’ shooting attempts, while opponents more often fouled during dribbling plays.

Additionally, the AI system reported subcategories of fouls, such as illegal use of hands or players smashing into each other, revealing behavioral patterns outside the capabilities of standard box-score statistics, referees, coaches, and analysts – and making the entire practice more consistent and fair.

Elsewhere, AI is already a common factor in other parts of the basketball experience, including training, where AI and robotics help NBA players like Golden State Warrior star Steph Curry prepare for his games, as evident in the organization’s presentation at the 2025 NBA All-Star Technology Summit in February.

Earlier in the same month, football-playing robots and robodogs took over the AI-themed Beijing’s Lunar New Year event, appearing among multiple other cutting-edge innovations that added an exciting experience for visitors, like a God of Wealth robot interacting with visitors.