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Engineer creates futuristic shoe to help elderly people stay on their feet

The concept shoe insole, invented by scientist Dr Jiayang Li can be wired up to a laptop showing the gait analysis (University of Bristol/PA)
The concept shoe insole, invented by scientist Dr Jiayang Li can be wired up to a laptop showing the gait analysis (University of Bristol/PA) (University of Bristol/PA)
  • Dr. Jiayang Li, an engineer from the University of Bristol, has developed a futuristic shoe designed to help elderly people maintain their balance and prevent falls.
  • The invention was inspired by Dr. Li noticing his 89-year-old mentor, Peter Langlois, was unsteady on his feet, prompting him to apply semiconductor technology to address fall risks.
  • The shoe features an insole embedded with 253 tiny sensors and an advanced microchip, which provide real-time, lab-quality data on gait and pressure points to assess balance.
  • Powered by a low-voltage battery, the device can run for approximately three months on a single charge and displays detailed walking analysis on mobile phones or tablets.
  • The technology will be showcased at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers conference, with plans for formal clinical evaluation and mass production to create a low-cost solution for fall prevention.
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