On 21 and 22 June, the skate park at the Hof ice pond will become a hotspot for action, style and innovation: at Skatedays 2025, spectacular tricks will also meet scientific curiosity: the event will be accompanied by an exciting research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences that analyzes the movement sequences when skating in pump tracks – using state-of-the-art AI and 3D tracking technology.
Image: Hof University of Applied Sciences;
Prof. Michael Zöllner, Head of the Interaction & Data Driven Design research group, explains in an interview why skating is not only cool, but also highly interesting from a biomechanical point of view and how it can even be used to inspire young people for STEM subjects.
Prof. Zöllner, what exactly is your project about?
“At SkateDays, we use the latest sensors and machine learning-supported software to analyze the movement sequences when skating on the pump track – in other words, the undulating course that you can ride without stepping on by making specific body movements. Our aim is to make the biomechanical correlations of this movement visible and to develop training material that helps beginners in particular to make faster progress – and stay fit at the same time.”
Why pump tracks in particular?
“Pump tracks offer low-threshold, safe and at the same time very effective training – especially for the thigh and core muscles. The risk of injury is low and the movement pattern is relatively easy to learn. That’s why they are particularly interesting for children, young people and beginners.”
How exactly do you capture the skaters’ movements?
“We use a combination of 3D human pose estimation via camera and inertial sensors, i.e. small motion sensors that are attached to the skateboard. The camera recognizes the body joints and creates a digital skeleton that allows us to track movements and forces over time. This allows us to see exactly which movements are efficient – and which are not.”
What happens with the data obtained?
“On the one hand, we want to use it to create digital training instructions for workshops – including clear videos. Secondly, the data will be used for scientific analysis. We are aiming to publish our results again at the international iWOAR conference. However, it is also important for us to show young people on site how exciting and useful the use of artificial intelligence can be in practice.”
Who supports you in this?
“We work closely with the youth work of the Hof Swimming Club, especially with the Skating & BMX department. The trainers have a lot of expertise and help us to organize and run the workshops. They also provide the participants for our study.”
What can visitors to Skatedays expect?
“In addition to exciting contests in a first-class skate park, anyone interested can take part in our workshops, have their movement sequences analyzed and learn more about the technology behind the research. We show how sport, fun and science can be combined to create a project that inspires young people – and hopefully motivates the STEM specialists of tomorrow.”
