TriboWalk: Triboelectric dual functional wireless system for gait monitoring and energy harvesting

In this paper, we report the design and validation of a novel wearable wireless system, TriboWalk, for gait monitoring and motion energy harvesting based on triboelectrification. Gait analysis is an important diagnostic method for medical rehabilitation. The TriboWalk system is capable of gait monitoring and analysis by capturing gait timing parameters and ground contact force (GCF) pattern based on four tribo-elements on each shoe sole. The tribo-elements are removable and easily placed on different shoes. A visualization tool is also developed for data analysis. The tribo-elements can generate high output voltage over 20 V during random and low frequency motion, acting as good motion energy harvesters. The experiments were conducted with normal and fast walking speed. The results showed that the TriboWalk system can provide dual functions of gait monitoring and energy harvesting, enabling remote monitoring of patients in daily life at very low cost.