The Governors of the University of Alberta

Published purpose

Fall is a major concern in the elderly population often resulting in dire consequences. Most commercially available technologies for sensing loading at plantar surface are focused only on the detection of normal pressure via single axis easurement and thus their applications in fall detection are substantially limited. In the project, the team intends to develop a flexible tri-axial force sensor array for the simultaneous measurement of both the normal stress and shear stress components on the designated areas. The constituent sensor nodes in the proposed array utilize the capacitive sensing technology and operate based on the measurement of capacitance change. In particular, a continuum-based theoretical prediction model will also be developed to facilitate the design and characterization of polymer-nanostructure composites and individual capacitive sensors. Successful completion of the project will eventually address health issues pertaining to aging-related injuries by providing essential technologies for the development of effective smart footwear.