Key Takeaways
- Bangalore student develops affordable gait analysis device after personal foot pain struggle
- StepSmart uses pressure sensors for real-time foot pressure monitoring
- Device attracts international interest from India, Nigeria, and Dubai
- Research published in International Journal of Science and Research
A Grade 12 student from Bangalore has created an innovative medical device that could revolutionize mobility diagnostics worldwide. Mayank Mundra’s StepSmart offers wireless gait correction through real-time foot pressure analysis, making advanced posture and balance assessment accessible to underserved communities.
From Personal Struggle to Medical Innovation
Mayank’s inspiration came from his own three-year battle with undiagnosed flat foot pain while competing as a national-level footballer. Despite trying various remedies, only custom shoe soles prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon provided relief. This experience revealed the critical need for early detection tools.
“I realized how many people suffer silently due to late detection,” Mayank explains. “That moment sparked a mission: to build a device that’s affordable, accessible, and capable of early diagnosis.”
Technical Development and Validation
StepSmart utilizes Arduino Mega, ESP32, and pressure sensors to capture comprehensive heel-to-toe pressure data. After a year of development and multiple iterations under the mentorship of Dr. Pavan Belehalli, Head of Podiatry at KIER, the device reached accurate testing stage in September.
Initial validation at the Foot Clinic of Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology & Research confirmed StepSmart’s potential for broader clinical applications. The research behind the device has been published in the International Journal of Science and Research.
Global Interest and Additional Innovations
Healthcare professionals from India, Nigeria, and Dubai have expressed interest in StepSmart, particularly for physiotherapy and diabetic foot care applications. The device’s compact design and remote monitoring capabilities make it ideal for resource-limited settings.
Mayank’s commitment to inclusive mobility extends beyond StepSmart. He has also developed an autonomous wheelchair with motion and LoRa technology for safe indoor navigation, which was recognized at the S.T. Yau Science Competition and is being advanced with rehabilitation centers.
“Technology should empower everyone,” Mayank affirms. “Freedom of movement shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right.”
