Smart Wearable Socks Enabled with IoT for Fall Detection

This paper presents the design and development of a fall detection system that integrates IoT technology to improve the safety and health of the elderly and people with mobility issues. The system employs a piezoresistive Velostat made textile pressure sensor that is encased in two conductive fabric layers. Wearable socks with this sensor built in provide a flexible and discrete way to monitor continuously. The sensor’s piezoresistive nature enables it to record data in real time by detecting changes in pressure when a fall happens. The ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, integrated with the NodeMCU platform, processes real-time pressure data and employs a threshold-based algorithm with signal smoothing and timing conditions to accurately distinguish falls from normal activities. When a fall is detected, an HTTP request is sent via Webhook API to the IFTTT platform, instantly notifying caregivers through email or cloud-based alerts. This system is a cost-effective, non-intrusive solution with potential applications in home care and healthcare settings. It combines textile-based sensing with IoT capabilities to provide continuous monitoring and timely interventions, thereby improving the quality of life for those at risk.