By
In a notable breakthrough, students from Andhra University Women’s Engineering College (AUWEC) have secured a patent for Sole Sense—a smart shoe insole that brings lifesaving diagnostics into everyday footwear. Developed by final-year Computer Science and Engineering students Shaini Dharavath, Jayapriya Saragadam, Shaik F. Jahera, and Ushasree Siriki, the innovation originated from Shaini’s vision in Hyderabad to embed real-time health monitoring within shoes. After collaborating with her peers to refine the idea and discussing it with their principal, Dr. R. Padmasree, the team moved forward with encouragement from assistant professors B. Pragnya and B. Esther Sunanda, culminating in a patented technology.
The Sole Sense insole discreetly fits into any shoe or sandal, continuously tracking crucial health metrics such as electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, body temperature, and foot pressure. Featuring four precise pressure sensors, the device detects posture variations, gait issues, and sudden physiological shifts, providing immediate alerts if abnormalities are identified.
Equipped with integrated GPS and GSM modules, Sole Sense can transmit live location data and altitude via SMS—a valuable feature for emergency response or monitoring elderly users. The AUWEC team has also incorporated ultrasonic sensors to identify nearby obstacles, enhancing mobility and safety for the visually impaired. Shaini notes that this technology has the potential for broader applicability among people with disabilities.
“We focused on creating a compact, integrated chip that easily fits inside any type of footwear, and we succeeded,” Shaini shared. “Securing the patent is a significant milestone, and we are optimistic that commercial partners will step forward to support production at scale.” Priced around ₹6,000, Sole Sense delivers advanced diagnostics at an accessible cost. Assistant professor Sunanda expressed pride in the project, emphasizing that its diagnostic precision meets laboratory standards and that ongoing development will help extend its reach to a wider audience.
