Dhruv Toshniwal

AI Coach for Badminton

May 2022

AI Coach for Badminton

Introduction

During an internship at Mitibase Technologies, I collaborated with Arpit Patil and Nancy Vachhani to develop an innovative AI model for coaching badminton players. The project aimed to revolutionize sports training through artificial intelligence.

Paper Link: IEEE Document

The Concept

The project, titled "AI Coach for Badminton", was designed to "create an AI model that could evaluate a badminton player's performance and provide feedback to help them improve their skills."

Key Findings

The AI model successfully identified performance errors such as:

  • Inappropriate posture
  • Incorrect racket handling
  • Poor hip and leg movement

After players worked on these areas, the team observed significant improvements in:

  • Total endurance
  • Efficiency
  • Performance
  • Strength

Methodology

The comprehensive approach involved:

  • Performance evaluation during gameplay
  • Identifying technical flaws
  • Analyzing player's nutrition, training, and sleep patterns

Tools and Technologies

  1. TrackNet: CNN for shuttlecock trajectory mapping
  2. OpenPose: Human skeleton key point detection
  3. YOLOv3: Player bounding box detection
  4. IMU and Opal Sensors: Motion and performance tracking
  5. Video Recording System: Multi-perspective player analysis
  6. Wireless Sensors: Racket speed and handle pressure measurement

Limitations and Future Directions

While the current study didn't cover all game analysis aspects, the team identified future research objectives:

  • Real-time application of developed technologies
  • Establishing benchmark values for player performance
  • Developing comprehensive training models
  • Expanding stroke analysis across player skill levels

The researchers aim to create a more advanced automated badminton skill evaluation system in future studies.