Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven officiating technology has moved beyond elite tournaments into junior competition for the first time, following the deployment of the Reveal Lens Instant Review System at the recently concluded AFFIN 100PLUS Junior Elite Tour Finals 2026.
The six-day badminton event, organised under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), marked the first time the AI-powered system was used at junior level, signalling a broader shift in access to sports technology previously limited by cost and infrastructure constraints.
Developed by Malaysian sports technology firm Revealtek Sdn Bhd, the system, approved by the Badminton World Federation, allowed players to challenge line calls and receive AI-assisted rulings within seconds as footage captured at 480 frames per second was processed instantly, with decisions displayed live in the venue to minimise disruption and reduce disputes during matches.
Beyond officiating, the system also provided coaches and officials with access to match footage and performance data, while live streaming and digital scoring enhanced tournament coverage across multiple courts.
Revealtek Chief Executive Officer Nizam Mohamed said the deployment demonstrated that advanced officiating tools were no longer restricted to top-tier international events, adding that Malaysia is helping set new regional standards for accessibility in sports technology.
Nizam highlighted that the system has already been used in several domestic competitions this year, including the PETRONAS National Under-18 Badminton Championships and earlier legs of the junior elite tour.
Meanwhile, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the introduction of AI-assisted officiating supports more consistent and transparent decision-making, while deputy president Datuk V Subramaniam described it as part of the governing body’s broader effort to strengthen player development pathways.
Revealtek is also preparing a pilot for its Electronic Line Calls system in September 2026 and is developing post-match analytics tools aimed at enhancing talent identification and performance analysis.
