An Outsole-Embedded Optoelectronic Sensor to Measure Shear Ground Reaction Forces during Locomotion

Ton T.H. Duong, David R. Whittaker, Damiano Zanotto

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Online estimation of 3D ground reaction forces (GRFs) is becoming increasingly important for closed-loop control of lower-extremity robotic exoskeletons. Through in-verse dynamics and optimization models, 3D GRFs can be used to estimate net joint torques and approximate muscle forces. Although instrumented footwear to measure vertical GRFs in out-of-the-lab environments is available, accurately measuring shear GRFs with foot-mounted sensors still remains a challenging task.In this paper, a new outsole-embedded optoelectronic sensor configuration that is able to measure biaxial shear GRFs is proposed. Compared with traditional strain-gauge based solutions, optoelectronic sensors allow for a more affordable design. To mitigate the risk of altering the wearer's natural gait, the proposed solution does not involve external modifications to the footwear structure. A preliminary validation of the outsole-embedded sensor was conducted against validated laboratory equipment. The test involved two sessions of treadmill walking at different speeds. Experimental results suggest that the proposed design may be a promising solution for measuring shear GRFs in unconstrained environments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2020
Pages9086-9092
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781728173955
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2020
Event2020 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2020 - Paris, France
Duration: 31 May 202031 Aug 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference

Conference2020 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2020
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityParis
Period31/05/2031/08/20

Keywords

  • instrumented footwear
  • optoelectronics
  • shear force sensor
  • wearable technology

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