A company, called ESoles, is developing a product that can simulate walking in someone else’s shoes. The firm, which normally produces custom athletic shoes, already has prototype insoles with sensors for pressure that transmit wireless data to a mobile phone. Subsequently, a software informs the phone owner the amount of pressure they are producing in 11 areas of the left and right shoe.
The prototype has already been utilized by the US Olympic BMX team, to analyze bike pedals maximum output. Other sporting activities that the system can be used in are in skiing position and golf swings. The technology is also in development for integration into video games, to eliminate the need for a Nintendo Wii-Fit type of stationary board. There may even be medical applications, such as alerting people with diabetes, who do not have feeling in their feet, to prevent them applying excessive pressure.
The technology is set to become available starting in July and to a wider audience by the end of the year. The estimated price is set to be around $300, with higher demand reducing the price significantly.
