FROM MALAYSIA TO THE WORLD, USM'S NEAR EXERGAME WINS INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM

NIBONG TEBAL, 24 November 2024 - A team of young innovators from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently secured the top prize at the International SAS Hackathon with their ground-breaking project, NEAR Exergame.

The team, which was led by PhD student Alexander Tan Wai Teng, comprised Yeo Ying Heng, Tay Jia Yi, Tan Wei Jim and Wong Yong Jie, who was an undergraduate student.

Their innovative rehabilitation tool combines gaming, advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence with the objective of enhancing stroke recovery and elderly care.

The team, drawing on their expertise in neurorehabilitation, biomechanics, materials science, and machine learning, has developed a system that personalises therapy sessions through real-time data analysis, predictive models and user-centred design.

"This win is a reflection of our commitment to the use of technology to address real-world challenges in healthcare," said Alexander.

The team was inspired by their shared passion for improving rehabilitation therapy and perceived the hackathon as an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of data-driven innovation in healthcare.

The NEAR Exergame system incorporates custom force plates and motion capture technology, enabling therapists to monitor patient progress and make real-time adjustments to therapy.

It also employs the SAS Viya platform to utilise machine learning and predictive analytics, allowing for the personalisation of sessions, dynamic difficulty adjustments and the delivery of actionable insights to clinicians.

"Our solution represents a synthesis of traditional rehabilitation methods and modern technology, offering a more engaging, effective, and personalised approach," stated Yeo, who concentrated on system optimisation.

Despite their success, the team faced significant challenges during the hackathon, requiring perseverance and multiple iterations to master the SAS Viya platform and create intuitive data visualisations.

"The guidance provided by industry experts proved invaluable in surmounting these challenges and enhancing the quality of our project," stated team member Wong.

The team intends to further develop and commercialise NEAR Exergame, refining its features and expanding its applications to include conditions such as spinal cord injury and balance disorders.

"Our ultimate objective is to facilitate access to quality rehabilitation for all, enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden on caregivers and healthcare providers," Alexander elucidated.

"Participating in the SAS Hackathon has been a journey of growth, demonstrating how diverse expertise can come together to create impactful solutions," stated Tay Jia Yi, reflecting on the experience where the team emphasised the value of collaboration.

The project was supervised by Professor Dr Zaidi Mohd Ripin, a lecturer in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia.