SOLES

In this project, SAL is working on intelligent shoe soles. The innovative SOLE sensor (SOLES) array, created using printed electronics, is designed for pressure monitoring in personalized healthcare and rehabilitation. This technology, embedded in smart footwear or specialized insoles, is pivotal for various medical applications, including gait analysis. It helps diagnose and treat mobility issues by providing data on foot placement, weight distribution, stride length, walking symmetry, valuable for physical therapists, orthopedists, and sports medicine professionals. It is especially beneficial for patients with polyneuropathy, who suffer from reduced sensation in their feet, making them susceptible to unnoticed injuries and wounds. The technology identifies high-pressure areas and abnormal gait patterns, preventing potential wounds, crucial for diabetes patients prone to foot ulcers. Additionally, it aids individuals with foot prostheses, offering feedback on ground contact and pressure distribution, enhancing balance, reducing fall risk, and improving the walking experience.

Within SOLES, we developed a functional demonstrator for a flexible pressure monitoring inlay with a sensor sheet at its core.

Project Goals:

• Developing a sensor sheet with the required pressure sensors that can be integrated into the Saphenus shoe inlay
• Printing of capacitive or resistive pressure sensor arrays with an efficient manufacturing process
• Combinations of different materials and designs to allow measurement of forces covering a wide range and sensitivities