Hong Kong's sports sector is embracing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to analyze athletic movements in real-time, offering personalized feedback as part of a growing movement to promote citywide health and fitness.
The innovation comes as local schools work to meet World Health Organization recommendations suggesting children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 should average at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.
Government initiatives like the "Active Students, Active People" program aim to encourage student participation, though space constraints often limit traditional training methods.
Kennedy Lai, founder of the China Hong Kong Newly Emerged Sports Association, has pioneered an AI solution to these challenges.
His team's system uses cameras and artificial intelligence to assess whether users' movements meet proper form standards during exercises.
"When students perform vertical jumps, standing long jumps or sprints, the system provides immediate corrective feedback and customized training plans," Lai explained.
The technology incorporates gamification elements to increase engagement, transforming workouts into interactive experiences that appeal to digital-native youth.
Beyond physical assessment, the platform analyzes psychological data to predict user motivation levels.
Lai said teachers receive alerts when students show declining enthusiasm, allowing timely intervention and encouragement. He also emphasized that this holistic approach supports both physical and mental development.
Looking ahead, Lai envisions expanding the technology beyond schools to give all citizens their personalized "sports report cards."
Marco Lam
