Learning to Skate with AI – Hof University Researches the Biomechanics of a Trend Sport
Hof – Hof University of Applied Sciences is launching a new research project at the Hof skate park to analyze the biomechanics of skating in pump tracks. The goal is to use artificial intelligence to visualize movement patterns, support training progress, and develop innovative learning opportunities for the skateboarding community. The project focuses on workshops, modern sensor technology, and AI-based motion analysis directly at the skate park.
Skateboarding is considered a highly accessible sport: with just a skateboard and a bit of space, people can practice almost anywhere. In addition, the region is home to one of Germany’s most modern skate facilities, the Hof Skatepark. The so-called pump tracks are especially suitable for beginners as well as fitness-oriented athletes. By shifting their body weight in a targeted way, skaters generate speed without pushing off the ground, while simultaneously training their core and leg muscles.
“Pump tracks provide an ideal introduction to skateboarding because they promote body awareness, coordination, and fitness in a playful way. This is exactly where our research begins,” explains Michael Zöllner.
AI Analyzes Movements in Real Time
As part of the project, the research group “Interactive & Data Driven Systems” at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) is using modern 3D human pose estimation technology. Cameras capture and analyze the joint movements of participants as a digital skeleton. This is complemented by small sensors attached to skateboards and surfboards that provide additional motion data.
The collected data is intended to help researchers better understand movement patterns and specifically improve training methods. Planned outcomes include smartphone-based training instructions and digital learning materials for workshops.
“We want to demonstrate how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be meaningfully applied in everyday life — not as an abstract concept, but as something directly tangible in sports and leisure activities,” Prof. Zöllner continues. “At the same time, we aim to inspire young people to engage with technology, data analysis, and STEM subjects.”
Research Together with the Skateboarding Community
The research group already presented its approaches live on site during Skatedays 2025. Visitors were able to visualize their own biomechanics on an iPad and take the results home with them. More than 1,000 skateboarders of all age groups attended the event.
The new project now builds on these experiences and is being developed in close cooperation with the Hof skateboarding community and the organizers of Skatedays. The results will later be made publicly accessible to everyone interested, including through videos and digital training tools.
Science and Young Talent Development
In addition to its practical applications, the project also pursues scientific goals. Among other things, the research findings are expected to be presented at the international specialist conference International Workshop on Sensor-Based Activity Recognition and Artificial Intelligence.
The research group “Interactive & Data Driven Systems” at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) of Hof University of Applied Sciences focuses on the analysis of human movement patterns, interactive data visualizations, and the development of cyber-physical sensor hardware. The group is headed by Michael Zöllner.
Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Prof. Michael Zöllner
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