Toyoda Gosei advances e-Rubber with “smart insoles”

Kiyosu, Japan – Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd has developed “smart insoles” with embedded e-Rubber sensors that can obtain foot pressure data during movement. 

The insole is being trialed by a Japanese golf school, which has been receiving samples since the start of June, said Toyoda Gosei 15 June.

The “light and durable” insoles can detect and measure subtle changes in foot pressure with high accuracy, helped by e-Rubber which acts as a thin, flexible sensor. 

TG’s patented e-Rubber is a “next-generation rubber” that contracts with the application of voltage.

The rubber can, therefore, be used as a thin, flexible sensor that can detect very small weights or as an actuator that reacts to voltage turned on and off.

Using the rubber, the insole senses shifts in body weight when swinging a club and displays them on a tablet computer with different colour intensities (heat map). 

The data can help improve users’ golf form, according to Toyoda Gosei. 

The Japanese supplier will conduct a demonstration trial together with the golf school to test the use of the insoles. 

The company aims to start general sales of the product once data accumulation and analysis functions are added to the dedicated app. 

“Using these insoles, Toyoda Gosei will expand to future services that will help athletes in various sports to improve,” it said.