Fujitsu develops AI tech for figure skating, gymnastics judging and training

Fujitsu Limited has announced that its high-precision skeleton recognition AI technology, which enables the digitization of three-dimensional human movements, has been adopted for use by the Japan Skating Federation. The technology was used to analyze and enhance the training of figure skating athletes at a training camp held at the National Training Center, located at Kansai Airport Ice Arena, from July 3 - 5.

Conventional motion capture technology is impractical for training purposes due to the time-consuming setup, slow result output, and limitations in the number of performances that can be analyzed. Furthermore, markerless motion capture technology, which relies on general video footage for analysis in figure skating, faces challenges in accurately analyzing complex movements such as jumps and spins due to posture deviations and misrecognition. The Japan Skating Federation chose Fujitsu’s skeleton recognition AI technology, developed since 2016 in the fast-paced and complex field of gymnastics, because of its high precision and its ability to reflect analysis results in real-time.

Other features

Technology based on the world's first and only internationally-recognized AI gymnastics scoring system

Proprietary correction algorithms significantly reduce jitter (estimation error) in posture recognition, previously a challenge in image analysis using deep learning

Photorealistic technology generates large amounts of training data, shortening the learning period significantly. Processes that traditionally required months of manual work can now be automated and completed within a matter of hours.

Future Plans

Fujitsu aims to expand use of its high-precision skeleton recognition AI technology beyond the sports industry into areas such as workload analysis in manufacturing, early disease detection in healthcare, and the utilization of analytical data in the entertainment sector.

Under Fujitsu Uvance, Fujitsu’s cross-industry business model to address societal issues, Fujitsu will continue to advance people's well-being in society through the use of data and AI, in collaboration with Uvance partners.

Morinari Watanabe, President, International Gymnastics Federation and Member of the International Olympic Committee, comments:

“The IOC announced the Olympic AI Agenda in 2024, recommending the use of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to enhance scoring fairness and competitive strength. I am very pleased that training based on ice movement analysis, which was previously considered impossible, has been realized. I hope this initiative will lead to the improvement of competitive strength and the further development of the skating world.”