Running shoe warns of danger

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS and five partners are developing the specialised running shoe in the RUNSAFER project.

Sensors and microelectronics integrated into the sole of the shoe will measure the biomechanical data of the athlete and evaluate the runner’s form with the help of measurements in real time.

‘Pulserate watches and chest straps record only vital signs like breathing and heart rate. In contrast, our running shoe medically evaluates and monitors training while jogging. It informs the runner for example of incorrect foot position, asymmetric loading, or warns of exhaustion or overload. There has never been a comparable device before,’ said Dr Andreas Heinig, a scientist at IPMS.

The measurement system can be installed and removed from the soles of the shoes. To charge it, the pair of shoes is placed on a charger that is included in the package.

Besides the microcontroller, RF module, and batteries, the system comprises accelerometers and GPS sensors that capture the biomechanical signals from the body as well as the runner’s speed and transmit it via Bluetooth to the runner’s Smartphone.