Collaborative Research on AI Video Analysis for Arena Sports Using Universal Cameras

Introduction

A groundbreaking collaboration is now underway focusing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video analysis of arena sports. Barcellona Urayasu, a professional futsal club based in Urayasu, Japan, and NID, an ICT company headquartered in Tokyo, are joining forces to harness the potential of universal cameras to enhance player performance visibility and improvement.

This initiative aims to validate data analysis methodologies during the Barcellona Urayasu home games in the 2025-2026 season, with the goal of practical implementation by the 2026-2027 season.

Background and Overview

In recent years, the sports industry has increasingly recognized the importance of data analysis, powered by digital technology, to improve athlete performance and ensure fair game operation. Major sports have already transformed athletes’ gameplay into quantifiable data, which is utilized not just for performance evaluations but also to enhance fan engagement.

However, current methodologies mainly rely on high-precision cameras or specialized sensors, limiting the sports that can benefit from these analytical techniques. Thus, there is a growing demand for more accessible technologies that can be adopted widely.

NID has been dedicated to AI research and development since 2016. After evaluating Barcellona Urayasu's commitment to optimizing solutions for customer needs, a partnership for this collaborative research was formed. This research will utilize footage captured with universal cameras and apply AI tracking technologies to quantify players' running distances and speeds. Consequently, it promises significant improvements in player performance, injury prevention, and the visualization of contributions that are often not reflected in scores.

Example of Player Data Measurement

As the technology progresses, it aims not only to strengthen teams but also to aid in the nurturing of future athletes. Additionally, it seeks to create services that rank players based on their activity levels, enhancing the overall fan experience. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the broader appeal and development of the F League.

The vision extends beyond the present, with plans to apply these developing technologies to other arena sports, school clubs, and community organizations, creating even more extensive opportunities for implementation.

About Barcellona Urayasu

Barcellona Urayasu, an F League futsal club, is based in Chiba Prefecture and was founded in 1998, primarily by alumni from Meikai University’s soccer team. Since joining the F League in 2007, the club has adopted a name that symbolizes its ambition to soar to national and global heights—‘Barcellona’ derives from a mixture of the words “Barco” (boat), “Dragon,” and “Dorar” (to gild). The club is operated by the Urayasu Sports Network Corporation, with its home arena located at the Urayasu Comprehensive Gymnasium, also known as the Barcellona Urayasu Arena. The club comprises multiple tiers, including top teams, women's teams, and U18 teams, all dedicated to cultivating local talent and promoting futsal culture. Focused on being a 'community-loved club,' Barcellona Urayasu actively engages in community contributions, offering projects for children and various activities in its hometown.

About NID

Founded in 1967 in Sawara, Chiba Prefecture, NID operates under the corporate philosophy of 'Humanware.' The company's mission is to enrich the lives of customers through ICT services while fostering growth for itself and its staff, aimed at building better relationships with all stakeholders. NID offers system development and system management services and has recently emphasized creating applications that foster regional revitalization and resolve community issues, especially in its founding region of Sawara.