---
This is a design concept (First Class) that I developed for an assignment in the module
Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing at the University of Birmingham

A smart insole prototype, together with a mobile application wireframe,
was developed to fulfil the requirements of the assignment.

This design concept is inspired by a recent visit to the Museum of the Home in London,
where a photo-essay exhibition on missing persons prompted a reflection on personal safety.
---

Abstract

IntellInsole emerged as a Smart IoT solution designed for loved ones like children, the elderly, and those with Alzheimer’s. Unlike devices like AirTags and beacons, these Smart IoT Shoe Insoles offer distinct advantages, providing an unobtrusive and wearable solution woven into the fabric of everyday life, as envisioned by Weiser (1991).

The five proposed features for IntellInsole include:

• Location Tracking: Fundamental to the insole is its robust location tracking, providing real-time insights for swift emergency responses.
• Emergency Alerts: The automated alert system ensures a proactive response to potential risks, offering timely notifications to caretakers.
• Geofencing: Adding an extra layer of safety, geofencing allows caretakers to define virtual safe zones and receive alerts for breaches.
• Safe Zones: Customizable safe zones personalize security, fostering wearer independence while ensuring a secure environment.
• Fall Detection: The accelerometer-based fall detection ensures early intervention, minimizing injury risks and guaranteeing prompt medical assistance.

At the core of IntellInsole’s functionality is an Arduino microcontroller, serving as the central processing unit for reading sensor data and activating actuators. Considering the size of an insole, the Arduino Nano Every board, with dimensions of 45x18mm and a weight under 5g, is chosen for prototyping.

In addition to Arduino, embedded within the insole are sensors:

• The accelerometer monitors movements for fall detection, identifying sudden, irregular patterns indicative of a fall.
• The GPS Sensor ensures accurate location tracking by continuously gathering GPS coordinates, contributing to swift and accurate emergency responses.
• A battery sensor monitors the insole’s power status, generating low battery alerts and activating power-saving modes for continuous functionality.

This sensor-microcontroller integration forms the essential components of IntellInsole’s design, providing a smart solution for wearer safety. The Arduino microcontroller, together with the network components, ensures continuous communication with the user interface, ensuring a responsive and efficient system.

Through the mobile application, caretakers gain instant access to crucial features enhancing wearer monitoring and safety. Real-time location data offers dynamic insights into the wearer’s whereabouts, facilitating swift responses in emergencies. The application enables caretakers to define and customize safe zones based on the wearer’s regular activities, fostering a tailored and adaptable security framework.

The hope is that this innovative solution seamlessly integrates into daily life, weaving technology into the fabric of enhanced personal safety. IntellInsole stands as a pragmatic and unobtrusive response to the imperative need for wearable technology addressing personal safety concerns for vulnerable populations.