Fall detection smart-shoe enabled with wireless IoT device

Abstract

Purpose Fall detection is a primary necessity for elderly people with medically tested nervous problems. This paper aims important to detect fall and prevent fatal injuries and untreated attention for long hours. Design/methodology/approach The project is focused on developing a smart shoe with force-sensitive resistors placed at plantar pressure points to detect fall. This could draw immediate medical attention to the patient. The device is developed using sensors, microcontroller and accelerometer integrated into a compact module. A rule-based detection algorithm helps in transmitting the alert to an Internet of Things device when a fall is detected. Findings Based on the pressure applied, there is a change in resistive value of force sensitivity resistor. When it reaches the threshold value, fall gets detected and alert gets triggered through telegram bot with latitude and longitude details of the location. Originality/value The challenge in developing this device is to make it wearable reducing the overall hardware complexity. The entire module placed inside the sole of the shoe avoids inconvenience to the patients.