Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Avriel International of Canada is developing a Medicare Diabetic Shoe with embedded sensors that will improve patients' awareness of diminished sensations in their feet. The sensor will give an alarm notification and valuable data to the patient and clinicians when data being logged is outside a ""safe"" zone. The proposed innovative physical activity monitoring technology is expected to improve patients' ability to manage their chronic condition and avoid fatalities that could result from unawareness of impending dangers. Avriel would like to implement this technology into just the insole so that it may be used in any shoe. This will require smaller sensors and circuitry and all electronics will need to be embedded into the insole.As part of initial fundamental research on this innovation, Avriel worked with researchers at the University of Manitoba where basic electronics and sensors were integrated and tested with a shoe. This initial work provided useful information on how the ""Smart Shoe"" could perform its intended operation. However, the developed solution was quite basic, with the electronics and sensors lacking the small scale required for integration into an insole as a prototype. Therefore, Avriel is collaborating with the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) at Red River College (RRC) to design, develop and implement a completely integrated insole prototype that can be used in any shoe. This proposed prototype will have the scale and functionality required for the Medicare Diabetic Shoe and will utilize emerging technologies in electronics, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) and manufacturing.RRC's TACAM will conduct the research required for appropriate electronics and circuitry, sensors, insole materials, manufacturing processes, software, controller, wireless technology and integration. TACAM team will capitalize on the College's existing capabilities and expertise in design, electromechanical systems integration, additive manufacturing, computer programming and fabrication processes to deliver this project. Avriel International represents a progressive Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) in Manitoba with high-priority commitment to research and development activities. The company has the capacity to implement and further advance the results of this project through commercialization. The College team is looking forward to expanding on existing knowledge in design and advanced manufacturing with opportunities for medical device applications. The knowledge gained will benefit students/interns working on the project, research personnel and faculty and will be useful in future research engagements