Gaitconnect: internet-enabled plantar pressure and gait sensor

Overview

GaitConnect is an internet-enabled wearable sensor system designed to capture real-time plantar pressure and gait data for clinical and sports medicine applications. The system addresses limitations of existing wearable insole-based sensors by integrating wireless connectivity and advanced signal processing, enabling continuous monitoring of foot mechanics outside of laboratory settings.

The technology is intended to support healthcare professionals in diagnosing foot and gait disorders, developing personalized treatment plans, and tracking rehabilitation progress. In sports medicine, GaitConnect enables personalized training programs and injury risk reduction by providing actionable biomechanical insights during athletic activity.

Technical specifications

Core capabilities:

• Real-time plantar pressure data acquisition and gait pattern analysis
• Wireless communication module for secure and reliable data transmission
• Signal conditioning and amplification techniques to ensure high-quality data capture
• Power management system designed for extended battery life and device usage
• Integration with a hardware platform supporting sensor prototyping and circuit design
• Personalized biomechanical modeling and algorithms for diagnosis and treatment planning

Key features:

• Cord-free, lightweight design suitable for continuous wear
• High-resolution pressure sensing across anatomical locations of the plantar surface
• Dynamic capture of pressure, force, and timing information during gait cycles
• Internet connectivity enabling remote monitoring and data sharing with clinicians or coaches

Technology readiness level

GaitConnect is currently at an early research and development stage. Future validation activities are planned across four workstreams: sensor integration (selecting pressure sensors, designing circuits, and prototyping); data acquisition (building the acquisition system with signal conditioning); wireless communication (developing secure transmission protocols); and power management (optimizing battery life and charging functionality). The system builds on prior validation of wearable insole platforms such as MobileMat HR and F-Scan GO, extending these concepts with internet connectivity and machine learning capabilities.