Three scholars from the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), namely Associate Director Prof. WEN Chih-yung, Principal Research Fellow Dr Jason CHEUNG Tak-man, and Member Dr Billy SO Chun-lung, were recently featured on the RTHK television programme Hong Kong Stories: Starting with AI – Calculated Athletic Power. During the programme, they shared insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the field of sports science and showcased its cutting-edge applications in athletic footwear development, running gait analysis, aquatic training and physiotherapy, as well as golf practice ball design.
During the programme, Dr Cheung explained how the research team integrates advanced AI algorithms with multi-angle motion capture technology to conduct precise biomechanical analyses of runners’ dynamic gait. This technology can detect joint angles, force distribution and lower-limb alignment at the moment of foot strike in real time, enabling the effective identification of potential postural abnormalities. This provides professional athletes and recreational runners alike instant feedback, helping them reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. Furthermore, the team has integrated personalised gait data with state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to design bespoke sports insoles offering high resilience and enhanced support. Tailored to each runner’s foot arch structure and loading characteristics, these insoles not only protect the feet but also significantly enhance energy return and athletic performance.
Dr So, Clinical Associate of Department of Biomedical Engineering and a practising physiotherapist, highlighted interdisciplinary breakthroughs in aquatic sports and rehabilitation medicine. Conventional underwater motion capture has long been hindered by optical refraction and water disturbance. To overcome these challenges, Dr So’s team developed an AI-powered video analysis system that integrates synchronised multi-view imaging above and below the water surface. The system can precisely track swimmers’ diving movements, entry angles, stroke trajectories and underwater postures, helping coaches and athletes to fine-tune techniques and enhance sports performance through a data-driven approach.
Dr So added that the team is actively expanding this dynamic AI-based assessment system to the field of aquatic exercise therapy. By harnessing the buoyancy of water to reduce joint loading and employing AI to monitor movement accuracy and muscle activation in real time, the technology can provide post-operative joint rehabilitation patients with safer, more efficient and personalised hydrotherapy rehabilitation programmes.
Prof. Wen, Chair Professor of Aeronautical Engineering in the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, collaborated with Dr Cheung to design a low-drag, highly stable golf practice ball. Using big data and AI technologies, the team determined the ball’s cutter parameters, including aperture coefficients and groove depth, and applied the data into flight trajectory simulations to identify the most aerodynamically efficient design and ultimately maximising flight distance. While conventional golf practice balls are typically made from lighter, softer materials suitable for indoor use, they fail to accurately replicate the high-speed performance of a regulation golf balls. The new design accurately simulates the speed and spin characteristics of a regulation golf ball, helping to bridge the gap between practice and on-course play.
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| Research Units | Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things | Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology |
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