New iShoe Technology being developed to prevent falls
8th August 2008
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are developing a shoe insole that could detect balance problems before a fall occurs. The technology was first developed as part of a project for Astronauts at NASA, but is now being developed for the elderly to help prevent falls and therefore injuries from falls.
The current model is equipped to diagnose balance problems, but future versions could help correct such problems, by providing sensory stimulation to the feet when the wearer is unbalanced.
The iShoe insole is designed to measure and analyze the pressure distribution of the patient's foot and report back to their doctor. The device could also be outfitted with an alarm that would alert family members when a fall has occurred.