I-Shoe: Smart Insole for Gait Monitoring

Gait analysis is a crucial method for evaluating and treating individuals with walking-related conditions. The process is typically utilized in hospitals or specialized gait labs, often involving tools operated by medical professionals. However, conventional methods have become more time-consuming and costly, leading to decreased accuracy in gait analysis. Wearable sensor technologies have emerged as a solution. This project introduces the i-Shoe, a smart insole equipped with eight force-sensitive resistors (FSR) and a low-power microcontroller to capture gait features. A mobile application displays real-time sensor data and an average heat map, showcasing the most concentrated pressure area in the foot. Machine learning algorithms are applied to identify abnormalities like flatfoot or imbalance. The system has been successfully tested on several individuals and has potential applications in diabetic foot detection, rehabilitation, and monitoring athletes’ gait.