AI-based design customisation of insoles for diabetic patients

Abstract

Funded by a local government investment totalling HK$3.6 million (2021–2024), this research addresses critical gaps in the design of custom-fabricated insoles for reducing high plantar pressure and preventing foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Prof Yick Kit Lun and her team demonstrate a novel AI-based framework that integrates foot biomechanics, dynamic 4D foot anthropometry data from over 100 diabetic patients, material analyses, pressure information, and AI-driven algorithms to address the complexities of individual foot shapes and enhance the custom fabrication of personalised diabetic insoles. They were all derived from a simple traditional footprint image. Clinicians can, therefore, precisely prescribe insoles with an optimal fit to meet the individual needs of patients and effectively control plantar pressure for rehabilitation treatment. This approach also eliminates the need for expensive sensors and repeated walking tests to assess insole performance. This research offers a positive long-term impact on the customisation of insole interventions for diabetic patients. A design patent has been filed, and the findings have been disseminated widely, with publications in 12 journals, 5 conferences, 2 workshops, 1 online course, and 8 local and overseas exhibitions. The research garnered attention from various local TV media channels, newspapers, and social media platforms. It was also showcased at the symposium in Japan and the Innovations in Design Summit 2023. Subsequent collaborative research projects and seminars were initiated with Shenzhen University (China), the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital, Hong Kong Community College, the local footwear industry, and health centres. In addition to industry sponsorships, two licensing agreements, five in-kind donations, and a contract research project with industry partners were generated. Furthermore, new InnoHK and Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme (SRFS) projects have been established to expand the research into sport-specific insole design, respectively.