A groundbreaking smart insole system developed by Ohio State University researchers could revolutionize healthcare by monitoring people’s walking in real-time, improving posture, and detecting early signs of conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Parkinson’s disease.
The smart insoles feature 22 pressure sensors and are powered by small solar panels attached to the tops of shoes, which store energy in safe, flexible lithium batteries. This self-powered device collects precise biomechanical data about gait, unique to each individual, and transmits it via Bluetooth to smartphones for instant analysis.
The insoles’ spatial sensing and machine learning capabilities can classify eight motion states, ranging from sitting to running, enabling personalized health tracking.
The sensors distributed from toe to heel provide insight into how pressure varies during activities such as walking and running. This information could support gait analysis in identifying abnormalities associated with diabetic foot ulcers, musculoskeletal disorders, or neurological conditions.
New Ultrathin, Bluetooth-Connected Heated Insoles
The system also offers potential for injury prevention, rehabilitation monitoring, and customized fitness training.
Tests have demonstrated the insoles’ durability, with performance unaffected after 180,000 compression cycles. Researchers plan to enhance gesture recognition and test the technology on diverse populations to refine its capabilities.
This innovation, expected to hit the market within three to five years, could redefine health care and fitness, providing accessible tools for personalized health management. “The interface is flexible and thin, ensuring functionality during repetitive use,” said Li, a researcher involved in the study.
With advanced AI integration, the insoles offer opportunities for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and enhanced overall health.
Journal Reference:
- Qi Wang, Hui Guan, et al. A wireless, self-powered smart insole for gait monitoring and recognition via nonlinear synergistic pressure sensing. Science Advances. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adu1598
Source: Tech Explorist
