Abstract: The estimation of postmortem interval （PMI） is a core issue in forensic practice. A large amount of time-dependent data can be produced in the decomposition process of a body, however, such multidimensional data cannot be comprehensively and effectively analyzed and utilized by any existing conventional PMI estimation method. As a rapidly developing information technology, artificial intelligence （AI） has significant advantages in big data processing, due to it’s comprehensiveness, efficiency and automation. Some scholars have already applied it to researches on the estimation of PMI, showing it’s significant advantages in terms of accuracy and development prospect. This article reviews the significance, mode and progress of application of AI in PMI estimation and provides some suggestions and prospects for future study.

Key words: forensic pathology, artificial intelligence, determination of postmortem interval, review