At the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), our mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and peak athletic performance. A recent, compelling special report from PolyU's Excel x impact publication, titled "Instilling Sporting Excellence," has dedicated significant coverage to the cutting-edge developments in sports science and innovation. Among the highlights is an in-depth feature on the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), established in 2022, which showcases how our interdisciplinary research translates rigorous science into powerful tools for enhancing athletic excellence and promoting community-wide sports participation.
A Dual Mission: Serving Elite Athletes and the Community
From its inception, RISports has been committed to addressing the evolving needs of sports participants at all levels. We navigate a dual challenge: on one hand, empowering elite athletes with top-tier technological support to optimize performance; on the other, motivating broader community participation through accessible, scientifically-backed innovations.
The Engine of Innovation: Interdisciplinary Collaboration
This mission is powered by a robust interdisciplinary network. As explained by Professor Zhang Ming, Director of RISports, in the feature: "We bring together researchers from 17 different departments across the University, about 70 scholars, all working on sports-related research that impacts sports including cycling, fencing, karate, swimming, taekwondo, and various ball sports." This unique collaborative model enables us to deliver advanced scientific solutions through four core research pillars:
1. Sports Biomechanics and Human-Product Interaction
2. Sports Product Design, Materials and Manufacturing
3. Sports Measurement, Feedback and Instrumentation
4. Sports Training and Rehabilitation
This multifaceted approach allows us to tackle complex sporting challenges from every angle.
Frontier Technology: AI-Powered 3D Motion Analysis
The report gives special attention to RISports' breakthrough work applying artificial intelligence and computer vision to elite sports. Our team can reconstruct 3D models from 2D competition footage of athletes, extracting crucial biomechanical parameters such as muscle force, joint force, and individual athlete characteristics. This revolutionary technology provides coaches and athletes with invaluable insights into force application techniques and injury prevention strategies. Furthermore, the research extends to real-time sports analysis using camera systems that capture athletes' movement dynamics, including joint angles, velocity, and acceleration.
Leadership in Driving Industry Impact
Through a strong partnership with the Hong Kong Sports Institute, PolyU's leadership in enhancing elite athlete performance has been recognized, securing substantial government-funded research grants. Concurrently, Professor Zhang Ming spearheaded the establishment of the International Society of Sports Science and Technology, which aims to gather leading global academics, practitioners, and industry experts to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive innovation in athletic performance, health, and well-being.
Our Vision
Looking ahead, RISports is driven by a clear and ambitious vision: to be at the forefront of innovative sports solutions and to serve as a key research and service partner for the sports industry, sports institutes, and organisations in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond.
We believe the future of sports hinges on the seamless integration of technology and human potential. By harnessing PolyU’s unique interdisciplinary strengths—from biomechanics and engineering to textile science and health rehabilitation—we are building a world-class platform for sports engineering and innovation.
