Foot pressure sensor system made from MWCNT coated cotton fibers to monitor human activities

Abstract Highly sensitive pressure sensors have been developed from multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coated cotton fibers to utilize them in monitoring of human activities. The sensing mechanism is discussed through experimental and theoretical explanations. The principle of the sensing mechanism is related with the number of contacts among the MWCNT coated fibers and contact area among the fibers when a force is applied. Using the three sensors a foot pressure sensor system has been developed, which can detect the exerted force of human foot during standing, walking, running, jumping, and other activities. The locus of the center of gravity is also measured by these sensors during these human activities. The exerted force increases instantaneously when a person jumps from an upper step of a ladder onto a floor, which is clearly recorded. The foot pressure sensors can be used to monitor the real-time sporting performances. To prevent the ankle and knee injury of sportsmen and to monitor the activities of the patients, and old persons, the foot pressure sensors can be utilized.