Communications of the ACM
Running Shoe Warns of Danger
The RUNSAFER system under development would measure the biomechanical data of a runner in real time.
Credit: ChampionsEverywhere
The European Union is backing the development of a running shoe that would help reduce injuries by providing feedback on running form and the workout routine.
The RUNSAFER system would measure the biomechanical data of the user in real time. The measurement system consists of a microcontroller, a radio frequency module, and batteries, as well as accelerometers and global positioning system sensors that capture the biomechanical signals from the body and the running pace and transmit them via Bluetooth to the runner's smartphone. An app uses algorithms to evaluate the data and then make suggestions, and the data is transferred to a website for further processing, evaluation, and display. The system can be installed and removed from the soles of the running shoes.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems and five partners must overcome challenges related to waterproofing, weight, and durability in order to reduce the size of the prototype.
From The Engineer (United Kingdom)
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