UK scientist unveils shoe that monitors gait to reduce fall risk

A University of Bristol researcher has developed a prototype shoe sole with hundreds of tiny sensors that records gait data and will be shown at an IEEE conference; the team plans a formal clinical evaluation next.

A University of Bristol researcher has developed a prototype shoe sole that uses many tiny sensors to record how a person walks. The project was prompted after Dr Jiayang Li noticed his 89‑year‑old mentor, Peter Langlois, becoming unsteady on his feet. The insole streams laboratory‑grade gait data to a connected tablet or mobile phone in real time. The prototype will be shown to industry professionals and presented at an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers conference. Key details: - The device was developed by University of Bristol electrical engineering lecturer Dr Jiayang Li and was inspired by his mentor's difficulties with balance. - The insole contains 253 small sensors that map foot pressure and leg gestures to analyse walking patterns. - A bespoke microchip reads all sensors at once and is reported to consume about 100 microwatts of power. - The team reports the device could run for around three months between charges and can operate on low‑voltage power potentially supplied by a phone or smartwatch. - Gait and pressure data can be viewed in real time on a tablet or mobile device. - The developers plan a formal clinical evaluation with a larger and more diverse group and intend to work with clinical and industry partners to translate the concept into a scalable product. Summary: The device is reported as designed to detect walking patterns that may indicate higher risk of falls and to support independence for older people. The team has said the concept could be mass produced as a low‑cost sole; planned work includes clinical evaluation and collaboration with clinical and industry partners.