Gait Phase Recognition Based on A Multimodal Sensing-Driven Smart Shoe System

Plantar pressure distribution is a key biomechanical parameter reflecting gait stability and foot loading characteristics. It plays a crucial role in designing control strategies for exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation. This study investigates plantar pressure variation, regional loading dynamics and the trajectory of the center of pressure (CoP) during normal walking, based on a previously developed multimodal smart shoe system. The system integrates three types of sensors: flexible film pressure sensors, bending sensors and inertial measurement units (IMUs). We analyze temporal and spatial variations in pressure over the heel, arch and forefoot, generate real-time heatmaps and extract CoP trajectories to assess gait stability. This work provides high-resolution data supporting biomechanical modeling of healthy gait and offers a basis for gait event detection and closed-loop control in future exoskeleton systems.