Realizing Smart Shoes That Record Running Data with a Battery Lighter than 1g

Adopted by: Shoe Manufacturer

Development Background

Recently, running shoes that record, monitor, and analyze multitude data to support personal training goals and health management have started to appear in the market. These smart shoes are generally made possible through attaching a module externally to the shoe or creating a space for module installation in the shoe's sole. In many cases, primary batteries are used, but due to the size and rigidity of the batteries, there are limitations in device flexibility as well as battery replacement hassles. Therefore, from a user perspective, the ideal smart shoe has not yet been created.
With this background in mind, and upon receiving a request from a shoe manufacturer who wanted to create comfortable smart sneaker for consumers, NGK began tackling the development of a built-in sensor module for smart shoes.

Table of Contents

The EnerCera Advantages

EnerCera Pouch (ET382704P-H)
Use Cases

Development of devices and health management services that measure shock, acceleration, pressure, etc. in real time.
Expected Technological Contribution

Deployment in light and thin wearable devices in various fields such as health care, fitness, nursing and medical care.

The EnerCera Advantages

✔️ Ultra-thin 0.45mm flexible battery weighing less than 1g that can be built into the insole
✔️ Maintains safety and durability for use during high-intensive physical activities
✔️ Wireless charging eliminates the need for a charging connector

Ultra-thin 0.45mm flexible battery weighing less than 1g that can be built into the insole

EnerCera, in combination with flexible electronics, makes smart insoles possible. As EnerCera is an ultra-thin 0.45mm lithium-ion battery weighing less than 1g, it can be utilized even in specialized cases where guaranteeing a lightweight shoe is a must to maintain performance. It has also been proven to have a bending resistance of up to 1 million times, making it possible to embed it in the insole.

Clears safety and durability for sports scenes

Safety and durability are two crucial properties for sensors in sports shoes. EnerCera is a safe lithium-ion secondary battery with extremely low possibility of heat generation, ignition, or explosion, and has obtained the IEC62133 safety certification. It also has high durability for sports applications, with an expected lifespan of over 5 years, eliminating the need for battery replacement until the shoes wear out.

Wireless charging eliminates the need for a charging connector

Through attaching a flexible wireless power supply antenna (NFC, Qi, wireless space power transmission), the need for a charging connector can be eliminated. Currently, NGK is further evaluating and verifying long-distance wireless communications solutions such as SIGFOX, LoRa, and cellular LPWA as other potential charging and power supply methods to maximize convenience for users.

Use Cases

The increasing adoption rates for smart shoes means that devices that measure shock, acceleration, pressure, and similar variables in real-time are continuously being developed and improved upon. The same is true for health monitoring and management devices. Furthermore, in addition to the device itself, to reduce the hassle of charging, NGK is working on verifying a system where charging can be completed simply by placing the smart shoes in a dedicated space (shoe box, etc.) after running.

Expected Technological Contribution

In the future, the development of a wide variety of wearable devices that collect walking and running data in real-time and analyze data with apps for health management is expected. Through utilizing the lightweight and thin characteristics of EnerCera, NGK is aiming to expand into various fields such as healthcare, fitness, nursing care, and medical care, promoting the development of light and thin wearable devices.
About EnerCera battery

Source

Ultra-thin batteries that realize a new lifestyle/Japanese