The Capskin stretch sensor technology was developed as part of a dissertation at ETH Zurich in 2019. The topic was dense surface deformations of body parts without a line of sight. Sensor arrays made of silicone measure strains by electronically reading the sensor capacitance. In combination with deep learning algorithms, they can measure body movements in real-time without external devices.
Motion
Capskin used the basic technology to show motion detection in an example with a glove. This even works when the hand is fully covered by fabric or completely obstructed by obstacles – no line of sight is needed.
Motion
Capskin used the basic technology to show motion detection in an example with a glove. This even works when the hand is fully covered by fabric or completely obstructed by obstacles – no line of sight is needed.
Pressure
Capskin has further developed the sensor technology to also measure pressure (patent pending). In 2021, a prototype was developed with a major shoe manufacturer in the form of a sensor sock that is able to measure the pressure around the foot inside the shoe. To date, the Capskin technology is the only technology that can perform these measurements.
Pressure
Capskin has further developed the sensor technology to also measure pressure (patent pending). In 2021, a prototype was developed with a major shoe manufacturer in the form of a sensor sock that is able to measure the pressure around the foot inside the shoe. To date, the Capskin technology is the only technology that can perform these measurements.
Shape
Capskin further developed the AI technology to additionally measure the shape of a body part (patent pending). In 2021, we built a sensor sock prototype that can measure different foot shapes, including their size and volume.
Shape
Capskin further developed the AI technology to additionally measure the shape of a body part (patent pending). In 2021, we built a sensor sock prototype that can measure different foot shapes, including their size and volume.
Gait analysis
Capskin technology can be used to measure and study human gait. In 2022, the Capskin sensor sock is used to measure gait during different movements. The analysis will identify correlations between the gait of an individual and the likelihood of injury as well as performance.
Gait analysis
Capskin technology can be used to measure and study human gait. In 2022, the Capskin sensor sock is used to measure gait during different movements. The analysis will identify correlations between the gait of an individual and the likelihood of injury as well as performance.
Comparison to other technologies
Existing solutions can either measure pressure only on the sole of the foot (pressure soles, force plates), detect only the shape of the foot (camera, 3D scanners) or measure only the movement of the foot when walking (Inertial Measurement Units). But none of them can provide the complete information of measuring the pressure all around the foot as well as the foot movement and deformation in the shoe during walking or running.
This was confirmed in interviews conducted by Capskin with experts from the footwear industry. Capskin offers the first solution that allows shoe designers to see what is really happening inside the shoe.
Comparison to other technologies
Existing solutions can either measure pressure only on the sole of the foot (pressure soles, force plates), detect only the shape of the foot (camera, 3D scanners) or measure only the movement of the foot when walking (Inertial Measurement Units). But none of them can provide the complete information of measuring the pressure all around the foot as well as the foot movement and deformation in the shoe during walking or running.
This was confirmed in interviews conducted by Capskin with experts from the footwear industry. Capskin offers the first solution that allows shoe designers to see what is really happening inside the shoe.