Technology Overview
Prototype of Footpad.
ITRI develops polymer pressure-sensitive materials that uses the fork-type electrode for pressure detection. Combined with the calculation circuit, it can record the pressure distribution on either feet of the user, the weight ratio, the step, state, stride frequency, and any information related to the pressure of the foot during movement, center of pressure (COP). The data is transmitted wirelessly, combined with the APP for real-time display, visualizing the data.
Applications & Benefits
The distribution of foot pressure plays a key role in human movement. The posture of foot while walking or running affects the posture and bone changes of the human body, as well as the performance and limits of the athletes. The Smart Insole foot-sensing technology developed by ITRI has achieved breakthroughs of limitations of data analysis only by top athletes in the past, so that more sports and more users can obtain exclusive personal data or exercise analysis.
Synchronization also opens up the establishment and use of data platforms in various professional fields, so that different professional sports can establish a linkage relationship between exercise and pressure performance. Therefore, this can help the development of various algorithms and APPs, solving the mystery of human movement and posture, and even more building the foundation for the development of the next generation bipedal walking robot.
At present, the number of foot pressure sensors that are commercially available is sparse (below 10 points), and most of the combined algorithm simulation data shows that the user's real data cannot be fully recorded. Whether it is in the sports or medical field, it is about real data presentation. Therefore, ITRI integrates multi-point pressure sensors by screen printing, which has real data detail, low cost, high sensitivity of pressure sensing and fast data sampling speed. Also, the number of pressure sensors can be customized to increase the application of the product.
The actual map of the pressure foot pad.
Gait analysis system and center of pressure (COP).
Achieving exercise training by changing the weight