Embedding of wearable electronics into smart sensor insole

Abstract

The number of elderly and care dependent persons is continuously increasing. The percentage of people over 60 years rises worldwide from 10% in 2000 to 21 % of the world's population in 2050. [1] The usage of wearable sensors in combination with telemedicine have a big potential to ensure a continuous healthcare and nursing of chronically ill and old patients and to enable them an independent life into old age. [2] The development and assembly of a modular low-power multi-sensor platform with wireless data transmission allows to set up a specific sensor network depending on location and application on the body. The wearable electronics consisting of a gyroscope, temperature and pressure sensors and low-power microcontroller with Bluetooth transmitter are integrated into a shoe insole and encapsulated in silicone as a first prototype. This smart sensor insole measures the vital and body data to monitor the patient's physical activity. Advanced sensor analysis enables to detect a fall of the wearer, which can be triggered to call for help from nurses or relatives. In a further development an energy harvesting version including a rechargeable microbattery and battery management system leads the way to an energy-autarkic operation and maintenance-free telemedical patients monitoring for homecare and ambient assisted living of our aging and digitalized society.