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Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Straits Times
Upgrading of ITE campuses: Reimagining classrooms as an open gym and aircraft engine workshop
The Fitlab is among the latest spaces that have been upgraded at ITE's main campus in Ang Mo Kio. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Upgrading of ITE campuses: Reimagining classrooms as an open gym and aircraft engine workshop SINGAPORE – Stepping into the newly set up Fitlab at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio feels like entering a professional gym. Once a traditional classroom space, the new open-concept facility spanning 450 sq m now allows the 560 students in the Higher Nitec in Sport Management course to learn in a gym setting that is up to date with fitness industry trends and technology. Refurbishment of the space began in July 2024 and wrapped up in March 2025 . Mr Alif Hafiz Masnor, 37, sports studies lecturer at the campus, said: 'With this new upgrade, we are able to meet the current dynamic trends with this high-end equipment.' The aim is for students to be immersed in practical learning, from leading circuit training exercises to analysing posture and movement through an AI-driven motion capture system – commonly used in professional sports and rehabilitation to track and assess body movement. Another feature in the gym is InBody scanners, which professional trainers use to conduct health assessments for their clients. 'All these are also available in gyms outside. So we want our students to be able to interpret this real health data and then apply it during their internships,' said Mr Alif. The Fitlab is one of the latest spaces that have been upgraded at the Institute of Technical Education's (ITE) main campus in Ang Mo Kio. Two others are a laboratory for students studying electronics and information and communications technology (ICT) and a facility for learning about aircraft engineering and maintenance. In the last of a three-part series, The Straits Times takes a closer look at how ITE campuses have refreshed their facilities to keep up with industry needs and deepen student learning. Since becoming fully operational in April, the Fitlab has been used to conduct both theory and practical lessons. ITE students in a Zumba session at the newly refurbished Fitlab at ITE College Central. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN ITE student Malcolm Voong said those in the Higher Nitec in Sport Management course typically already like doing sports. But learning how to use these high-tech machines gives them a more in-depth understanding of the human body. 'Getting better in sports is not just about training, but also what your body needs. Every body is different, so this is a very fun part of learning,' said the 19-year-old, who will be completing the three-year course at the end of 2025. The space is also stocked with standard gym equipment such as kettlebells and dumbbells, as well as all-in-one trainers with multiple uses – leg press, cable pulley, pull-up bar and more. Real-world training in aircraft engine maintenance ITE work-study diploma students Anderson Lim and Siti Sauhana using the polishing robot arm at the new Onboarding@Skill facility at ITE College Central. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN What better way to prepare students for a career in aircraft engine maintenance than to provide them with a workshop on campus that mirrors one in the real world? With the launch of Onboarding@Skill on May 15, students learn about key engine maintenance processes as well as smart technologies currently used in the industry. Spanning 200 sq m, the space at ITE College Central was refurbished in collaboration with ST Engineering from January to March, and caters for over 380 students and trainees annually. They comprise those enrolled in the Higher Nitec in Aerospace Engineering course, and trainees in two ITE work-study diploma courses related to aircraft engine maintenance. Lecturer Mr Wong Kok Weng (second from left) with his students at the Onboarding@Skill facility. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Mr Wong Kok Weng, 49, an ITE aerospace technology lecturer, said that previously, the space consisted of standard lab facilities, and the assembly and maintenance of engine components were taught in silos. 'We were learning piece parts, in a way. But this new facility is a ramp-up as it allows students to have an overview of the engine overhaul process,' he said. Comprising three gates, the space allows students to see how aircraft engine maintenance is done from start to finish. At the first gate, aircraft engines arrive for maintenance. Components in need of maintenance and repair are removed from the engine after inspection and transported by an automated mobile robot to the second gate. After repairs and checks are completed, the engine is reassembled at the third gate and undergoes final testing before being cleared for service. New in the space is a polishing robot arm, which plays many vital roles. It is able to achieve high-quality surface finishes on engine components, saves up to 102 man-hours per engine, and improves workplace safety by minimising exposure to harmful metallic dust. 'This space is very aligned to industrial practices and the latest trends in this field. So we are very close to what the industry needs,' said Mr Wong. As a trainee in ITE's work-study diploma course in aircraft engine maintenance since 2023, Ms Siti Sauhana, 23, spends 70 per cent of her time learning and working in the assembly line area at ST Engineering. The remainder of the course is spent at ITE. She said of Onboarding@Skill: 'They have captured the whole set-up for the industry, because the three gates are also what we learn about at work. So this shows students what we can expect when we go to the working site.' Cutting-edge software and robots for learning Since April 2024, students enrolled in three Higher Nitec courses at the School of Electronics and Info-Comm Technology have been able to tinker with humanoid robots and use state-of-the art software. This is thanks to the Universal Omniverse Experience Centre, a facility that was built over a period of 15 months and became fully operational in July 2024. More than 1,000 students learning about topics like artificial intelligence applications and IT systems and networks use this space for lectures, practical sessions and project work. Students in the Higher Nitec in Immersive Applications and Game course with their lecturer, Ms Cheryl Lye (centre), at the Universal Omniverse Experience Centre at ITE College Central. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Before it was upgraded, the space was used for teaching, storage and as a showcase for visitors, said Ms Cheryl Lye, 35, an ICT lecturer at the campus. It now houses state-of-the-art servers, called the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). 'If the computer specifications on my students' laptops are not the most updated, they can access the VDI by launching a browser within their devices,' said Ms Lye. This allows students to access more demanding software that requires higher performance to run immersive applications and game programmes. The space also has humanoid robots that are used in care homes and schools in Japan for various healthcare purposes. Ms Lye said students are eager to tinker with these robots and see how skills they learn can be applied in real life to help people. 'When we teach, we don't want to just talk at them. So we use real examples to excite them,' she said. Higher Nitec student Brenda Angela with servers at the Universal Omniverse Experience Centre. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Brenda Angela, 17, a second-year student in ITE's Higher Nitec in Immersive Applications and Game course, said she can now see how game-based elements can be used in non-gaming contexts, such as education. 'I did not know you could use virtual reality to create a package to teach how to do spray-painting on a ship,' she said, referring to a project done by ITE students and staff two years ago that is now displayed at the showcase area in the upgraded space. 'I had a very narrow mindset. But this new environment helps me explore other viewpoints. I can be more creative when I see the possibilities of what can be done.' Elisha Tushara is a correspondent at The Straits Times, specialising in Singapore's education landscape. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
I Tried the First Full-Scale, AI-Powered Gym: Is It the Future of Fitness?
When you walk into Santa Monica's newly opened Fred Fitness, you wouldn't think, "This place runs on AI." The space is open and welcoming, with warm wood beams, plant life scattered throughout, a comfy couch, window seating and even a community table where members can work between workouts. But as you venture further into the space, that's when you see it's filled with AI-powered machines and fitness tech designed to maximize your fitness journey. Even on the window seats that look out onto the sidewalk, all members have access to Therabody JetBoots for compression, vibration and red light therapy to boost recovery. And behind the front desk -- where, yes, there are people to help you -- there's a Therabody massage gun. Anna trying the Therabody JetBoots. Anna Gragert/CNET I was intrigued. As a wellness expert who pays close attention to whether new technology and trends can actually benefit our health, I aimed to find out if Fred Fitness, the first full-scale AI gym, could potentially be the way of the future. How does Fred Fitness work? Fred Fitness was officially launched in mid-February by CEO Andre Enzensberger, whose brother Alfred founded the Clever Fit gym franchise in Germany. To break into the US market with a unique concept, Alfred teamed up with smart fitness technology company EGYM, which created Genius, an AI that generates training plans. Fred Fitness is now the first full-scale EGYM. It all starts on your wrist, with a green band that is the key to your entire experience. It contains all your information and workout history -- your height, weight, strength, pace, reps, sets and even your biological age -- all controlled by Genius. Since it was my first time here, I was guided by General Manager Miguel Alvino, who emphasized, "We are super people-driven. The tech is just here to assist us." Alvino demonstrates how the wristband connects to the fitness hub. Anna Gragert/CNET In other words, it's not like your average gym where you can sign up and immediately begin working out on the machines. It involves teaching members how to use the machinery, and make adjustments. Fred Fitness has received negative feedback for taking away trainers' jobs with its AI tech, but even in the short time I was there, I saw several staff members walking around to offer members assistance. The Fred Fitness fitness assessment Every member starts with a fitness assessment, during which they learn their biological age. It takes about an hour. The equipment for this process is in its own section and contains an InBody body composition analyzer, EGYM chest press, leg press and two fitness hubs, where all the onboarding happens. You simply tap your wristband on the fitness hub, log in and answer questions about your birthdate, gym training experience, areas of the body you want to focus on, injuries and any pieces of exercise equipment you want to avoid. You also choose your main fitness goal out of the options general fitness, body toning, rehab, athletic, weight loss or muscle building. Each goal shows the different percentages the machine will use to create your workout. General fitness, the one I chose, is composed of 40% strength, 40% cardio and 20% mobility and flexibility. I then stepped back on a gray EGYM mat and the camera turned on to measure my height. It was spot on. I took my shoes and socks off to step on the InBody body composition analyzer. It recorded my weight and then I was instructed to grab onto the machine's arms so it could scan the rest of my body. Anna using the InBody body composition analyzer. Anna Gragert/CNET The fitness hub allows you to choose whether or not to see your body composition stats, such as your metabolic rate, muscle mass and fat mass for each arm and leg. Either way, it shows your biological age, so you know where you're starting. Alvino mentioned that you can retake your assessment. He often advises members to come back first thing in the morning when fasting to take the test for more accurate results. Next, I stepped back on the EGYM mat, was handed a wooden pole and began the flexibility test. The fitness hub demonstrated different stretches it wanted me to hold with the pole for balance and then used its camera to measure the degree of my flexibility. I struggled to follow the machine here, and occasionally the camera was unable to recognize my purple sneakers, so I appreciated that Alvino was there. Eventually, I had to remove my sneakers, and the camera was better able to identify my bright white socks. I could also understand why members would want the option to re-take the test after they are used to the machinery. Anna taking the flexibility test. Anna Gragert/CNET Next, I took the strength test, which involved logging into chest and leg press machines with my wristband so the equipment could have my information. All equipment runs on gamification software, which Alvino compared to Pac-Man. Essentially, after a tutorial, you push and pull the machine to make a circle go up or down along a path where you can collect coins on the screen. At certain points, the machine would remind me to breathe out. I enjoyed this aspect of it, since I didn't feel like I was working out, and I was still able to focus on what I was doing. Anna continuing the strength test on the leg press. Anna Gragert/CNET Each machine currently has four different training modes: regular, negative, eccentric and concentric. Because the machines are electric, they can maximize your muscle contractions by providing resistance. As I got set up at the different machines, Alvino adjusted them for my arm and leg length but mentioned that an "extremity update" would soon be coming that would have the machines measure your limbs and adjust for this automatically. Though a trainer will still be there to make sure it's the right fit, this should decrease the amount of physical adjustments they have to make. At this point, I realized how crucial Alvino's presence was during this test and asked if members typically do it by themselves with the machine as their only guide. "Originally, that was the idea of how it worked. Early on, we learned that was never going to be a thing," he said. "We've shifted even more so that original idea to now you can see [trainers] walking around and we are fully staffed at all times. That's because we want to make sure we have human people available and trainers on staff." Next was my final test -- the cardio test. Fred Fitness uses new Matrix treadmills that were launched at the end of 2024. These machines allow you to log into Netflix, Spotify and more. You also only have to do so once because your wristband saves all that info for you. The treadmills also use a gamification system, in which you have to keep pace so that a ball moves along a corridor on your screen. During the test, it asks you every 60 seconds what your fatigue level is, and once you hit nine, the workout will stop. You can also pause at any time. Anna taking the cardio test. Anna Gragert/CNET This was another part of the test when I was glad to have a human guide. When the treadmill picked up the pace faster than I expected, I wanted it to pause, but had trouble pressing on the touchscreen. Then, the faster it went, the more trouble I had because I was focused on running and not falling over. Eventually, Alvino had to come over to stop the machine for me. The Genius AI workout plan Between the cardio, strength and flexibility tests, the fitness hub was able to show me my biological age for each category, which gave me a good idea of what I have to work on. Then, Genius uses these metrics to generate a workout plan, which you can access on the Fred Fitness app. All of this is included in the membership, which is $150/month. There are no hidden fees -- the only add-on is an extra $15/month charge if you'd like the gym to provide you with towels for showering. Alvino showing us his Genius workout plan on the Fred Fitness app. Anna Gragert/CNET If you don't like the workout plan Genius creates, you can re-order the exercises or do "individual" mode instead, treating it like a normal gym where you do whatever you want. As part of the membership, you can also sit down with one of the Fred Fitness personal trainers, who can use the Genius plan as a base, but then further customize the whole plan so that you'll enjoy it more. Trainers can also upload their own workouts into the app, for which there are options you can do at home or when traveling. Once you're done with your fitness assessment and have your plan, you're free to use the entire gym. In addition to the machines in the general "open mode" area, there is a circuit training area where you can do a full-body workout in 40 minutes, a "game day" area where members can compete to get their name on a leader board and win a prize (this month, it's a $300 InBody smart scale), a cardio deck, specialty machines and dumbbells. The Fred Fitness "game day" area and leaderboard. Anna Gragert/CNET Interestingly, downstairs, there is an "analog room" where they keep the AI tech out. Here, you can find Hyperice massage guns, a cable system, ZeroWheels (which Alvino dubbed "the ab rollers of the future"), yoga mats and foam rollers. Upstairs, there are locker rooms complete with Dyson Airwraps and hand dryers, so tech is omnipresent in the gym. The analog room. Anna Gragert/CNET The future of fitness -- and Fred Fitness "We've learned a lot with this one. When we opened, we had no dumbbells. We had no cable system. We're just paying attention," said Alvino. "We'll probably never be that gym that has a sauna or cold plunge. We want to stay focused on what we're really good at and let the people who are really good at that stuff do that stuff." However, Fred Fitness does recognize that some members want those other amenities, so on its app, it offers discounts to businesses that offer cold plunges, saunas, healthy meals, supplements and more. One of the most surprising aspects of the gym is that, other than the energetic workout music, it's relatively quiet. There is no clinking or clanking machinery -- just a peaceful hum. As someone who is sensitive to loud sounds and can experience sensory sensitivity when overstimulated, I could see myself enjoying workouts here. A view of the machine floors. Anna Gragert/CNET Since fully opening on Feb. 15, Fred Fitness has about 600 members. Within nine months to a year, Fred Fitness plans to open a new location in Culver City, Los Angeles. As if on cue, when I walked out of the gym, a self-driving car was parked outside. While I watched it drive off, I asked myself: Is an AI-powered gym something I would sign up for? If I could afford the $150/month membership and it was in my area, I would. I like the AI-driven training that personalizes your workouts and adapts each machine to your plan, but most importantly, I appreciate that there are personal trainers there who can correct your form. I would say that this gym would be great for someone who doesn't want human contact when they work out, but I do think that personal touch (literally) is still essential -- at least for now.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
InBody Invites Guests to Flex and Celebrate 25 Years of Partnerships at HFA 2025
CERRITOS, Calif., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- InBody, a worldwide leader in comprehensive health solutions ranging from body composition analyzers to blood pressure monitors to dynamometers, is thrilled to attend the HFA Show 2025 and celebrate over two decades of working with its partners to make better health and wellness easier for everyone to achieve. Formerly known as IHRSA, HFA 2025 will be held from March 12th – March 14th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through strategic partnerships with key professionals in the medical, fitness, nutrition, and government spaces, InBody has analyzed over 165 million points of health data across the globe, reshaping how we measure, monitor, and maintain health and wellness so everyone can enjoy healthier, happier lives. Guests visiting the InBody booth #1952 will see new devices like the InBody Touch, an interactive touchscreen kiosk that integrates with popular InBody products, and the InGrip, a durable handheld dynamometer that precisely measures handgrip strength. "Grip strength is not only important for everyday activities and athletic performance, but it's also an indicator of overall health and has been linked to longevity," said Daniel Park, InBody's Vice President of Sales. To encourage guests to measure and monitor their grip strength, participants can enter the InGrip Challenge. In this fan-favorite competition, participants measure their handgrip using the InGrip to beat the top score and win a prize. The InGrip Challenge invites everyone to push themselves to their full potential and see how easy and fun it can be to incorporate grip strength measurement into their wellness routine. HFA attendees can also embark on a scavenger hunt where they'll visit partner booths to learn more about how they leverage InBody technology to help their clients thrive. InBody is proud to collaborate with luminaries in the health and wellness space on fulfilling our shared mission of simplifying everyone's understanding of their health, and this scavenger hunt is a fantastic opportunity to get HFA guests to engage with partners and witness firsthand their success stories. "At the end of the day, InBody can positively impact millions of peoples' health journeys only with the support of our partners," Daniel reflects. "They believed in our company, technology, and vision, and they've been able to use this transformative technology to actually change lives. Whether it's helping someone see tangible progress to stay motivated in their fitness journey or revealing a muscular imbalance affecting an athlete's performance so they can fine-tune their training, none of these wins would be possible without our partners. Together, we've accomplished so much, and there's still so much more good to do." To learn more about InBody, visit For press and media inquiries, please contact: About InBody InBody is an innovation-focused company driven to create a better world for today and future generations. Their mission is to provide biomedical technologies that simplify the understanding of health and wellness. People trust InBody to provide accurate, actionable insights. InBody's award-winning, medical-grade devices are used by professionals and consumers in medical, fitness, research, and corporate wellness verticals. The company delivers biomedical technologies and services in over 110 countries, with six international branch offices and a global network of distributors. To learn more about InBody and their mission, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE InBody Sign in to access your portfolio
