Smart 3D force-sensing shoe insoles for monitoring walking

3D force sensing insoles for wearable, AI empowered, high-fidelity gait monitoring

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · AXIOFORCE INC · NIH-11178697

A smart insole with 3D force sensors and onboard AI to monitor walking and flag abnormal gait in older adults at risk of falls.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorAXIOFORCE INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11178697 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would wear a thin sensor insole (Axiostride) that records three-dimensional forces as you walk. The insole sends data to an AI system that turns complex gait signals into near-real-time, easy-to-understand feedback about balance and walking patterns. The goal is to reproduce lab-quality gait measurements without needing a motion-capture lab so monitoring can happen at home. Early testing will compare the insole's data to standard lab equipment and train algorithms using healthy and pathologic walking patterns.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with concerns about balance or abnormal gait—especially people aged 65 and older—would be the primary candidates to use these insoles.

Not a fit: People who cannot walk, who require specialized orthotics that prevent using the insoles, or who are unwilling to wear sensor insoles may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help detect worsening gait earlier and reduce fall risk by giving patients and clinicians timely, easy-to-understand walking data.

How similar studies have performed: Other wearable gait devices have shown promise for monitoring and predicting fall risk, but full 3D force-sensing insoles combined with real-time AI are relatively new and less proven in large clinical trials.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.