3D-printed ‘smart’ sock liner helps athletes measure underfoot pressure

A team of researchers from the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, and the sustainable technology company EMPA have developed a smart insole that helps measure pressure points between the foot and shoe, aimed at combating the musculoskeletal system. measuring pain and progress of athletes. use 3D printingscientists managed to create a special device with sensors that measure the pressure on the sole of the athlete’s foot.

The custom insoles available today take quite a bit of time to produce, as athletes have to pass tests on pressure-sensitive mats to create a foot profile. The biggest difference with the 3D-printed insole is the measurement directly on the foot, without the need for pressure-sensitive mats.

In a statement, the researchers say the insoles are easy to use and produce, as they are produced in one step and using only a 3D printer – the manufacturing time also includes printing the sensors and integrated conductors.

In manufacturing, the sole of the insole is printed with a mixture of silicon and cellulose nanoparticles, the conductors are produced with conductive silver ink, and finally the sensors are printed under the conductors with black carbon ink; all this is covered with a layer of silicone to protect the insole technology.

3D printed insole

“With the pressure patterns detected, it is possible to recognize that the person is walking, running, climbing stairs or even carrying a heavy load on their back – in which case the pressure shifts more towards the heel. With data analysis, we can identify different activities based on which sensors respond and how strong that response is, said Gilberto Siqueira, project leader and EMPA Senior Assistant.

The researchers added a port on the side of the insole for cable connection to a computer, allowing them to read data from pressure patterns detected during use. But Siqueira claims one of the next steps is to develop wireless connectivity for the insole. There are no predictions for the commercialization of the product yet.