ML Kit Pose Detection Makes Staying Active at Home Easier

Kenny Sulaimon, Product Manager, ML Kit; Chengji Yan and Areeba Abid, Software Engineers, ML Kit
6 min readadvanced
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Overview

The article discusses the ML Kit Pose Detection API, which enables real-time tracking of physical actions on mobile devices. It highlights the API's capabilities, including a 33-point skeletal match and its applications in fitness and dance training.

What You'll Learn

1

How to integrate the ML Kit Pose Detection API into your mobile app

2

Why using angle heuristics can improve pose classification

3

When to use the Fast vs. Accurate mode in Pose Detection

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Basic understanding of mobile app development and machine learning concepts

Key Questions Answered

What is the ML Kit Pose Detection API and how does it work?
The ML Kit Pose Detection API is an on-device solution that tracks a subject's physical actions in real time. It uses a two-step process involving face detection and a full body, 33 landmark point skeleton to render poses in 2D space, enabling developers to create interactive fitness and dance applications.
What are the main features of the Pose Detection API?
The Pose Detection API offers real-time tracking of physical actions, a 33-point skeletal match including facial landmarks, and operates in both Fast and Accurate modes. It supports both video and static images, making it versatile for various applications.
How can the Pose Detection API be used in fitness applications?
Fitness applications can utilize the Pose Detection API to track exercises like pushups and squats in real time. Developers can apply angle heuristics or proprietary classifiers to provide feedback on user movements, enhancing the workout experience.
What are the performance expectations for the Pose Detection API?
In Fast mode, the Pose Detection API can achieve frame rates of 30+ FPS on modern Android devices and 45+ FPS on iOS devices. Accurate mode provides more stable coordinates but at a slower frame rate, allowing developers to choose based on their application's needs.

Technologies & Tools

Backend
ML Kit
Used for on-device machine learning capabilities, specifically for pose detection.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Integrate the ML Kit Pose Detection API into your fitness app to enhance user engagement.
By providing real-time feedback on exercises, you can create a more interactive experience that motivates users to maintain their fitness routines at home.
2
Utilize angle heuristics for classifying yoga poses to improve accuracy in your app.
This approach allows for better user guidance and can help users achieve correct postures, enhancing the effectiveness of yoga practices.
3
Experiment with the Fast and Accurate modes to find the best performance balance for your application.
Depending on your app's requirements, you may prioritize speed or accuracy, impacting user experience and app responsiveness.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to account for the user's face being visible can lead to suboptimal pose detection results.
The API requires the user's face to be present for accurate detection, so ensure your application prompts users to position themselves correctly.

Related Concepts

Machine Learning
Pose Detection
Fitness Applications
Mobile App Development