A smart insole developed by researchers at the University of Portsmouth could soon change how people recover from injuries, train in sports, and manage chronic health issues. Unlike standard insoles, this one uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor how your body moves, offering useful data for doctors, athletes, and health researchers.
From Lab Tools to Everyday Shoes
Traditionally, measuring how the feet interact with the ground—called ground reaction forces (GRFs)—required large lab equipment. These devices, such as force plates or treadmills with sensors, offer accurate data but can only be used in specialized settings.
This new smart insole brings the lab to your shoe. Made in partnership with a tech firm, it’s a mobile, affordable tool that works outside of labs. It gives health professionals and sports trainers access to motion data anywhere—in gyms, parks, or homes.
Sensors and AI Inside the Insole
Each insole includes two main features. First, it uses a pressure-mapping system called CapSense to track pressure changes as you walk or run. Second, it includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that tracks movement by recording acceleration and rotation.
Both sensors send real-time data to a smart AI system known as a dual-stream attention model. The AI decides which data is more useful during different parts of a person’s movement. This improves accuracy, cutting prediction errors to just 4.1%, far better than earlier models that had error rates between 8% and 20%.
Built for Daily Use
These insoles are designed for everyday life. They are lightweight and powered by a small battery that lasts up to eight hours. The system connects to a computer using Bluetooth and records movement and pressure data with precise time stamps.
Real-world us es are already clear:
Athletes can improve performance and reduce injury risks.
Doctors can better monitor patients during physical therapy.
Researchers gain easier access to movement data outside a lab.
Experts Call It a Game-Changer
Dr. Tim Exell, a biomechanics expert on the team, emphasized how important this tool is. “All human movement, from elite sports to rehab, is caused by forces. Measuring these forces accurately outside of labs helps improve performance and supports recovery,” he said.
Beyond Sports: Helping Diabetic Patients
One important use of the insole goes beyond sports. It helps people with diabetes, especially those suffering from peripheral neuropathy—a condition that reduces feeling in the feet. This can lead to dangerous pressure points and ulcers, which often go unnoticed.
The insole’s pressure sensors can alert users early, helping them avoid infections or even amputations. This makes the product potentially life-saving for diabetic patients.
Affordable, Smart, and Sustainable Design
TG0, the tech company behind the insole, focuses on low-cost, smart materials powered by embedded AI. Chief Technology Officer Dr. Liucheng Guo said their goal is to make health technology both accessible and sustainable.
“This project proves how research and industry can work together to create tools that solve real-world problems,” he added.
A Product of Strong Partnerships
The smart insole was created under a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), a program that links universities with businesses to create practical solutions. The team included health scientists, computing experts, and engineers from TG0.
The device was tested against lab-grade tools and showed excellent accuracy. The research results were published in the journal Intelligent Sports and Health.
A Step Forward in Wearable Technology
By combining smart sensors, AI algorithms, and simple materials, the team created a powerful yet affordable tool. This wearable can help athletes move better, doctors treat patients more effectively, and diabetics avoid serious foot injuries—all with something as simple as a shoe insole.
