Why I built it
Pressure distribution across a foot contains useful information about balance and gait, but many measurement systems are bulky or tied to a single experiment. I wanted to explore a lightweight sole that could collect that data without getting in the way of natural movement.
How it works
An array of pressure sensors is distributed across the sole and read by a small embedded controller. The samples can be calibrated, timestamped, and sent to a computer for live visualisation or later analysis.
The design is organised around interchangeable layers:
- a flexible sensing layer inside the shoe
- compact electronics for sampling and communication
- software for calibration, pressure maps, and gait metrics
Design constraints
The system needs to remain thin, flexible, and comfortable while protecting the sensors and wiring. Repeatable calibration also matters: raw readings are only useful when changes in pressure can be separated from sensor drift and differences in fit.
Next
The next iteration will test sensor placement, calibration, and durability before expanding the analysis software.