IIT Gandhinagar researchers develop smart wearable sensor patch

A research team at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), led by Dr. Biswajit Saha, has developed a flexible, wearable sensor patch designed to monitor and correct exercise form. The device is intended to assist individuals in activities such as weightlifting, strength training, tennis, and swimming by providing data-driven feedback.

The patch works by attaching to key areas of the body, where it bends in response to movement. This bending changes the device's electrical resistance, generating signals that are transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone. A machine-learning model then compares these signals against a database of movements from professional trainers and national-level athletes, analyzing factors like speed, force, and consistency.

A primary technical challenge involves distinguishing between harmless individual movement variations and actual incorrect techniques, especially as muscle fatigue can alter performance. The researchers position the device as a tool to support, rather than replace, personal trainers by providing objective data to supplement professional judgment. The prototype has reached technical maturity level 5, and the team is currently seeking industry and government partnerships for commercialization.