A new smart insole system, developed by researchers at Ohio State University, uses pressure sensors and solar panels to monitor how people walk in real-time. This system can provide valuable health insights, offering early warnings for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Parkinson’s disease.
The insole has 22 pressure sensors, powered by small solar cells on the shoe tops. This data is transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone, where it is analyzed. The system tracks gait, an individualized biomechanical process, providing insights into posture and foot-related conditions.
In addition to basic walking patterns, the system uses AI to identify different motion states, from sitting and standing to running and squatting. It can even detect abnormalities in gait that might signal foot pressure issues, musculoskeletal disorders, or neurological conditions.
The wearable’s durability is impressive, with no significant degradation even after 180,000 cycles of compression. This makes it suitable for long-term use. Researchers aim to improve its gesture recognition and expand testing to more diverse populations before commercial release, which could happen within 3-5 years.
This innovation combines flexibility, precision, and self-powering capabilities, offering new possibilities in personalized health management, including real-time posture correction and injury prevention.
Related Topics
