For people with walking difficulties, a multi-layered, intelligent assistance system can be designed, combining hardware and software, with the core objectives of safety, independence, and convenience. The complete concept is as follows:
1. Intelligent Assistive Hardware
Smart Cane / Walker
- Built-in sensors detect gait, balance, and tilt.
- Automatically adjusts height or resistance to provide optimal support.
- GPS positioning and SOS emergency call function.
- Can connect to a mobile app to provide gait analysis reports.
Wearable Support Devices
- Intelligent exoskeleton or knee support devices.
- AI-controlled muscle assistance, dynamically adjusting according to the user's gait.
- Can detect fatigue or dangerous movements, providing vibration alerts or automatic support.
2. AI Intelligent Monitoring System
Gait Analysis AI
- Analyzes the user’s walking posture and balance in real time, predicting fall risks in advance.
- Provides personalized exercise or rehabilitation recommendations.
Indoor / Outdoor Environment Monitoring
- Indoor: Smart floor sensors or cameras detect falls or obstacles.
- Outdoor: Alerts for road obstacles and navigation to flat paths.
Emergency Response System
- Detects falls or abnormal movements and immediately notifies family members or emergency services.
- Can automatically activate wearable support to reduce the risk of injury.
3. Data Analysis and Personalization
Rehabilitation Tracking
- Records steps, gait stability, walking speed, and fatigue index.
- Provides daily/weekly reports to the user and rehabilitation therapists.
AI Learning of Individual Needs
- The system learns the user’s habits and gait characteristics over time, adjusting support strategies.
- Provides predictive fall risk assessments and optimal walking recommendations.
4. Social and Psychological Support
Community Interaction
- Share rehabilitation achievements and experiences with others who have walking difficulties.
Psychological Companion AI
- Provides encouragement, rehabilitation reminders, and exercise motivation.
5. System Integration Example
Mobile App + Smart Hardware + AI Cloud Analysis
- Hardware detects gait → AI evaluates risk → App provides alerts and recommendations → Data sent to family/therapists.
Additional Ideas
- Integrate voice control and gesture control for ease of use.
- Interact with smart city environments to navigate around potholes or stairs.
- Long-term data accumulation can support medical research and improve rehabilitation efficiency for walking impairments.