University of Bristol Engineer Develops Smart Shoe to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
Dr. Jiayang Li of the University of Bristol has invented a smart shoe designed to prevent falls among older adults. The prototype incorporates 253 sensors to monitor movement and balance, transmitting data to devices for analysis.
The shoe aims to provide an affordable, portable solution for fall risk assessment, which traditionally requires expensive equipment. It features a semiconductor chip that evaluates pressure distribution and movement, offering a fall-risk score and exercise suggestions if necessary.
The device runs on minimal power, potentially allowing three months of use per charge. Dr. Li plans to present the technology at an international conference in San Francisco and conduct clinical trials for accuracy and refinement before market introduction.
