Determining the optimum route up a sport or bouldering climbing wall

Software and Machine Learning

Matlab, Visits to CityRock

One of the most contentious topics in sport climbing is determining the $$beta$$ of a climbing route. The term "beta" in climbing refers to the sequence of movements and techniques required to successfully ascend a route. The aim of this project is to explore ways in which machine learning algorithms $($could include Physics$-$based models$)$ can be used to find this optimum path. As a first step in this project, an as accurate$-$as$-$possible $3$D representation of a climbing wall will have to be put together from images taken. At a secondary level and developing a simple model of the climber, an attempt can be made to determine the best path through the climbing route. Within the context of this project, students will also work within the CityRock climbing gym in Randburg or Pretoria.