Project Details
[Return to Previous Page]Concept Development: Technical Design for Smart Shoes to Detect Obstacles and Uneven Surfaces to Help Prevent Falls
Company: The Artful PM LLC
Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: CMPEN
Optional: BME
Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES
Intellectual Property: YES
Diverse groups of people, particularly the elderly, visually impaired, or individuals with balance or mobility challenges, may be prone to an increased risk of falling. It is proposed that a Smart Shoe could be developed using current state technologies. This footwear would incorporate electronics to proactively detect obstacles and uneven surfaces in real-time and provide immediate feedback to a wearer’s companion device, reducing the risk of falls and related injuries. The design would need to integrate a system of miniature sensors embedded in the front and sides of the shoes. These sensors, including ultrasonic or infrared proximity detectors, could continuously scan the environment for objects or uneven surfaces within a predefined range. The shoes could connect wirelessly to a companion device. When an obstacle is detected, the system triggers a warning mechanism to the device to alert the user. Feedback to the user could be provided in different ways – e.g., visual and / or auditory alerts received via a smartphone app or a smart watch, color changes or electronic vibrations received via an electronic bracelet, auditory alerts or color changes received via smart eyeglasses or hearing aids. An app can also allow users or caregivers to monitor walking patterns, configure sensitivity levels of the sensors, and receive alerts about potential risks in real-time. The electronic bracelet could function as a simplified alternative for users who may not use smartphones, delivering alerts through lights, vibrations, or sound. The app interface should be designed to be user-friendly, offering features such as real-time obstacle detection visualization, step counting, location tracking via GPS, and fall history analysis. It can also notify caregivers in case of a detected fall or if the user deviates from a set walking route. Additionally, data collected can be used by healthcare professionals to assess gait stability, predict fall risks, and tailor interventions accordingly. From a wearer’s perspective, the shoes should maintain a stylish, contemporary design, ensuring users do not feel stigmatized by wearing assistive devices. The electronics could be embedded in a lightweight, shock-absorbing sole to maintain comfort and minimize bulk. A rechargeable battery could be concealed in the heel, offering several days of operation on a single charge, with wireless charging capabilities for convenience. In conclusion, this design concept would offer wearable electronics with practical footwear to create an intelligent system that enhances safety and mobility. The next step is to create a set of specifications for this product that can be used to apply for a patent from the USPTO.
