The Xsens ForceShoe watches the doorstep, helps you walk better

Jun 13th 2011
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The Xsens ForceShoe watches the doorstep, helps you walk better

The technology-laden Xsens ForceShoe might better be described as a sandal. However, if you are the kind of bipedal perfectionist who desires to analyze your gait using an array of 6DoF force sensors and magnetic trackers (let alone that cunningly-disguised wireless data transmitter), then the probabilities are your toenails may additionally stand a little scrutiny. In reality, although the ForceShoe is primarily designed for physio patients, we predict its inventors on the University of Twente might just have stumbled upon the following-gen Nike+ accessory we’ve all been expecting. Unfortunately they don’t seem to be on sale, but when you are a researcher seeking to measure the orientation, acceleration, angular velocity, force and torque of your feet in three dimensions, you’re welcome to hop past the break for the total press release.

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Xsens introduces powerful kinematics and kinetics tracking sensor packed shoes

ENSCHEDE, Netherlands,-31 May, 2011- Xsens, the leader in professional 3D tracking systems, today announced the introduction of the ForceShoeTM – sensor packed shoes for terribly accurate measurement of 3D motion, 3D forces and 3D torques. The fully ambulatory ForceShoe is the primary commercially available system making it possible to investigate joint forces and torques outside of the laboratory. The ForceShoe brings state-of-the-art advanced biomechnical human performance analysis, out of the lab, to the true world – akin to the ergonomics of a factory assembly line or the performance of an athlete at the sports field. For research use only, technology evaluation kits come in from Xsens, effective immediately.

Xsens has licensed the technology behind the ForceShoe from Prof. P.H. Veltink of the University of Twente, a number one group in advanced 3D ambulatory measurement techniques, and at the moment are making this expertise widely available for further research in clinical rehabilitation, ergonomics and sports applications. Colleen Monaghan, Product Manager, Movement Science of Xsens explains, “We’re a great deal waiting for conducting discussions with the scientific community in regards to the different potential end-uses of this exciting technology”.

Prof. Veltink of the University of Twente, adds “We’re more than happy that our ideas aimed toward measuring advanced 3D kinematics and kinetics outside of the restricted lab environment are actually being developed further, and finding their method to more widespread use. The technology behind the ForceShoe not just concerns the measurement of 3D kinematics, force and torques but in addition patent pending tips on how to track power transfer in ambulatory settings. The accuracy of the system is thoroughly validated and published in close cooperation with several other leading research groups.”

The ForceShoe research kit encompasses a pair of ForceShoes, an Xbus Master and Xsens MT SDK. Each ForceShoe contains 6DoF force/torque sensors integrated with customized Xsens MTx 3D inertial and magnetic trackers. Synchronized data is transmitted from the attached Xbus Master in real-time to a working laptop or computer, running the simple-to-use MT Software Development Kit for (real-time) access to the raw, measured data.

The ForceShoe is simply the primary outcome of a robust research program lead by the MIRA institute of the University of Twente. Exciting new possibilities will emerge from new projects including the continuing “FUSION” and “PowerSensor” projects, sponsored by STW, or “INTERACTION” sponsored by the ecu Commission, each with strong consortiums of leading organizations on this field, including MIRA and Xsens.

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