In an effort to broaden students' horizons and foster interdisciplinary integration with cutting-edge technologies, on October 18, 2025, a delegation of 36 students from Shenzhen University visited the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong to attend the Future Robotics Conference organized by Global Sources. The trip was coordinated and supported by the College leadership and led by Mr. Wu Zhongtang, Director of the Office of Experimental and Experiential Education, and Ms. Su Shishan, Deputy Director of the Party and Administration Office. The event aimed to immerse students in the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, while exploring innovative pathways through which technology can empower the future of sports.

A Frontier Gathering: Where Technology Meets Innovative Ideas

Centered on the core themes of "Embodied Intelligence and the Frontiers of AI" and "Robotics Innovation and Applications," the Future Robotics Conference brought together distinguished guests including academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, senior executives from leading tech companies, and renowned experts in artificial intelligence. Through keynote speeches, in-depth panel discussions, and interactive roundtables, the conference offered a comprehensive showcase of breakthroughs and future applications of robotics across diverse fields. Shenzhen University faculty and students actively engaged in the full conference agenda. The opening performance—featuring humanoid robots dancing in synchronized choreography—captivated the delegation, vividly illustrating the synergy between technology and art. During thematic sessions, SZU students, drawing on their sports science backgrounds, actively explored how robotics could enhance the scientific rigor of athletic training and how intelligent devices might transform physical education environments. Their insightful questions and enthusiastic participation sparked vibrant on-site exchanges.

Learning Through Reflection and Practice: Bridging Sports and Technology Across Disciplines

"This conference opened my eyes to the transformative potential of robotics—not only in industrial and service sectors, but also in revolutionizing sports training," shared a student representative during the post-event reflection. "For instance, dexterous robotic hand technology could assist athletes in refining and correcting precise movements, while brain-computer interface (BCI) systems might emerge as powerful new tools in sports rehabilitation." The students' insights underscored a growing awareness of how interdisciplinary convergence between sports science and cutting-edge technology can unlock innovative solutions for athletic performance, coaching, and recovery.

Institutional Support: Deepening Experiential Education

The College of Physical Education at Shenzhen University has always adhered to the educational philosophy of "learning through practice and fostering innovation." Placing strong emphasis on cultivating students' interdisciplinary perspectives, the College actively creates opportunities for them to engage with emerging fields beyond traditional sports science. The successful execution of this trip was made possible by the College leadership's forward-looking vision for integrating "technology + sports." From initial planning and participant coordination to logistical and safety arrangements, the College provided comprehensive support to ensure a meaningful and seamless experience. The goal is clear: to connect students' disciplinary knowledge with cutting-edge technological developments through high-quality experiential platforms, thereby laying a solid foundation for their future careers and contributions to interdisciplinary innovation. Prior to departure, Vice Dean Wang Dong personally reviewed the validity of students' travel documents and verified that all necessary insurance coverage was in place. He also reminded both faculty chaperones and students to prioritize safety throughout the journey, underscoring the College's commitment to student well-being and responsible experiential learning.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Sports with the Wings of Technology

On the journey back, SZU faculty and students remained immersed in the intellectual inspiration sparked by the conference, eagerly reflecting on their experiences and drafting practice-based insights aligned with their academic interests. Several students proposed innovative ideas—such as developing lightweight, robot-assisted devices tailored for youth physical education—to enhance engagement and precision in school-based sports instruction. Others expressed plans to launch research projects exploring the application of robotics in sports injury rehabilitation, aiming to bridge technological advancements with practical needs in athletic recovery and performance support. These forward-looking initiatives exemplify how exposure to frontier technologies is catalyzing new thinking within the field of sports science, positioning Shenzhen University students at the intersection of innovation, education, and health—ready to help propel the future of sports forward with the power of technology.

This trip to Hong Kong was not only a vivid demonstration of the College of Physical Education at Shenzhen University's commitment to experiential education, but also planted a seed in students' minds—the vision of "technology empowering sports." Looking ahead, the College will continue to expand and deepen such interdisciplinary experiential initiatives, empowering students to explore uncharted territories at the intersection of technology and sports. By fostering this synergy, Shenzhen University aims to inspire a new generation of innovators who will inject youthful energy and fresh perspectives into the evolving landscape of sports science and athletic development.