AI-based yoga coach to correct postures in real time soon

Indore: Practising yoga with a virtual coach that instantly detects posture mistakes and guides users towards correct movements may soon become a reality, as researchers at Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science (SGSITS) are developing an AI-based yoga posture recognition and correction system.

The project has received a Rs 7.1 lakh research grant from the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology and aims to combine artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision technologies to create a smart yoga coaching platform capable of analysing body posture in real time and providing immediate corrective feedback.

The project aims to combine artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision technologies to create a smart yoga coaching platform capable of analysing body posture in real time and providing immediate corrective feedback.

Researchers believe the system could make yoga practice safer, more scientific and accessible to users practising at home or through digital platforms.

The project titled, Enhancing Yoga Practice through Machine Learning with Real-Time Position Recognition and Alert System, has been sanctioned for two years. In the first phase, the council has already released Rs 5.4 lakh, while the remaining amount will be provided later.

The research is being led by dean (ARSD) and a faculty in information technology department Lalit Purohit, who is serving as the principal investigator. The department assistant professor Upendra Singh is the co-principal investigator.

According to the research team, the system will use advanced pose estimation frameworks to identify posture misalignment during yoga sessions. Once an error is detected, users will receive instant visual alerts and performance analysis to improve accuracy and reduce the risk of injuries caused by incorrect practice.

Purohit said, “The objective of this research is to create an intelligent yoga coaching platform that can help users practise yoga safely and effectively with real-time feedback. The integration of AI with wellness technologies has significant future potential.”

Singh said the technology could play an important role in preventive healthcare and digital wellness applications. “The system will help users identify posture errors instantly and improve their yoga performance scientifically,” he said.

Researchers have also developed a custom yoga dataset by recording yoga sessions of students and practitioners on the SGSITS campus. Dataset is also being integrated into the research work.

The institute director Neetesh Purohit said SGSITS is continuously encouraging innovation-driven projects with social impact. He added that the project reflects the growing research capabilities of the institute in artificial intelligence and healthcare technologies.