Gaitkeeper
Haptic shorts for improving learning capabilities of amputees with lower leg prosthetics
Hosted by
Holst Centre
This project is now archived and was part of DDW21
This project is part of
FASHION, WEARABLES AND TEXTILE INNOVATION
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Gaitkeeper is an EU funded Eurostars project between TNO Holst Centre, Elitac Wearables and GaitUp, with the aim of developing a wearable haptic feedback device for improving learning capabilities of amputees with lower leg prosthetics.
The goal and our solution
There is an unmet need for improving the uptake of lower leg prosthetics with amputees, with only a small portion able to regain freedom of movement through the use of these devices. The main challenge is the understanding of wrong gait when in use. As correctional feedback only occurs with the medical expert or within rehabilitation at scheduled visits, it does not provide the amputee with sufficient understanding of how to improve gait, especially within a home-setting. A sensor system for gait will be connected via a control unit to a garment. The shown ‘haptic shorts’ is a universal fit, unisex garment, with the incorporation of printed electronics and haptic actuators over the thigh. The printed design incorporates 3 strips where 9 actuators are placed for feedback in both the x and y directions for different correctional possibilities. The printed electronics are re-attachable via magnetic strips and the wearable garment is washable both with and without the printed strips through encapsulation technology for protection of the electronics.
