A Wearable Smart Insole Can Track How You Walk, Run and Stand
Newswise — COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new smart insole system that monitors how people walk in real time could help users improve posture and provide early warnings for conditions from plantar fasciitis to Parkinson’s disease.
Constructed using 22 small pressure sensors and fueled by small solar panels on the tops of shoes, the system offers real-time health tracking based on how a person walks, a biomechanical process that is as unique as a human fingerprint.
This complex personal health data can then be transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone for quick and detailed analysis, said Jinghua Li, co-author of the study and an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at The Ohio State University.
“Our bodies carry lots of useful information that we’re not even aware of,” said Li. “These statuses also change over time, so it’s our goal to use electronics to extract and decode those signals to encourage better self health care checks.”
It’s estimated that at least 7% of Americans suffer from ambulatory difficulties, activities that include walking, running or climbing stairs. While efforts to manufacture a wearable insole-based pressure system have risen in popularity in recent years, many previous prototypes were met with low energy limitations and unstable performances.
To overcome the challenges of their precursors, Li and Qi Wang, the lead author of the study and a current PhD student in materials science and engineering at Ohio State, sought to ensure that their wearable is durable, has a high degree of precision when collecting and analyzing data, and can provide consistent and reliable power, said Li.
“Our device is innovative in terms of high resolution, spatial sensing, self-powering capability, and its ability to combine with machine learning algorithms,” she said. “So we feel like this research can go further based on the pioneering successes of this field.”
The study was recently published in the journal Science Advances.
This team’s system is also made unique through its use of AI. Using an advanced machine learning model, the wearable can recognize eight different motion states, including static ones like sitting and standing to more dynamic movements such as running and squatting.
Additionally, since the materials the insoles are made of are flexible and safe, the device, much like a smartwatch, is low-risk and safe for continuous use. For instance, after the solar cells convert sunlight to energy, that power is stored in tiny lithium batteries that don’t harm the user or affect daily activities.
Because of the distribution of sensors from toe to heel, the researchers could see how the pressure on parts of the foot is different in activities such as walking versus running.
During walking, pressure is applied sequentially from the heel to the toes, whereas during running, almost all sensors are subjected to pressure simultaneously. In addition, during walking, the pressure application time accounts for about half of the total time, while during running, it accounts for only about a quarter.
In health care, the smart insoles could support gait analysis to detect early abnormalities associated with foot pressure-related conditions (such as diabetic foot ulcers), musculoskeletal disorders (such as plantar fasciitis) and neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease).
The new system also used machine learning to learn and classify different types of motion. That offers opportunities for personalized health management, including real-time posture correction, injury prevention and rehabilitation monitoring. Customized fitness training may also be a future use, the researchers said.
According to the study, these smart insoles showed no notable deterioration in performance after 180,000 cycles of compression and decompression, showing their long-term durability.
“The interface is flexible and quite thin, so even during repetitive deformation, it can remain functional,” said Li. “The combination of the software and hardware means it isn’t as limited.”
Researchers expect the technology will likely be available commercially within the next three to five years. Next steps to advance the work will be aimed at improving the system’s gesture recognition abilities, which, according to Li, will likely be helped with further testing on more diverse populations.
“We have so many variations among individuals, so demonstrating and training these fantastic capabilities on different populations is something we need to give further attention to,” said Li.
Using ChatGPT, students might pass a course, but with a cost
Newswise — With the assumption that students are going to use artificial intelligence and large language models such as ChatGPT to do their homework, researchers in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign set out to learn how well the free version of ChatGPT would compare with human students in a semester-long undergraduate control systems course.
The results: On straightforward math homework, ChatGPT got an A, but with some quirky answers. However, on higher-level problems that require reasoning, it got a D.
“We found ChatGPT technology can get an A on structured, straightforward questions. On open-ended questions it got a 62, brining ChatGPT’s semester grade down to an 82, a low B. The class average for the human students was 84.85 percent because they could handle the problems that required higher-level reasoning,” said Ph.D. student Gokul Puthumanaillam.
The study concludes that a student who puts in minimal effort, showing no effort to learn the material, could use ChatGPT exclusively, get a B and pass the course. The problem is the passing grade might be the combination of A+ in simple math and D- in analysis. They haven’t learned much.
“Like calculators in math classes, ChatGPT is a tool that’s here to stay and that students will use. What the results of this study pointed out to me is that I need to adjust as an educator,” said Puthumanaillam’s advisor Melkior Ornik. “I plan to consider how I design my courses so that, over time, I include more higher-level questions, perhaps including project-based assignments. Students will still use programs like ChatGPT to do the simpler math problems, but by adding more open-ended questions, they’ll also reach a higher level of critical thinking and truly learn the material.”
Puthumanaillam said although ChatGPT is fast and mostly correct on structured questions, it’s wise to use it with caution.
“A student might take 20 minutes to answer a question. ChatGPT solves it in less than 20 seconds, but the correctness is sometimes questionable.”
He also described examples of strange behavior from ChatGPT’s homework such as using inappropriate technical jargon and saying things that were simply not true.
“Despite the fact that we provided all of the course material needed to ChatGPT, it still hallucinated, using words like quasi periodic oscillations that were never used in the class, in the lectures or course materials.”
The study considered the type of student who chooses to put in minimal effort. Puthumanaillam said the premium version of ChatGPT may be slightly more capable of solving the analytical questions and can store more memory to solve longer, more complex problems. The researchers chose to use the free version of the software because the average student probably wouldn’t want to spend the monthly fee.
Puthumanaillam noted that there were no team assignments in the course, the ChatGPT prompts used the exact language as the human students received, and it was all conducted synchronously.
“When the students were doing their homework, ChatGPT was also doing the homework. ChatGPT was just an extra student in the class.”
Did ChatGPT learn from its mistakes?
“When we told ChatGPT it was wrong on a multiple-choice question, gave it the correct option, then a variation of the same question, yes, it did better. In a sense, it was learning but overall, it was stagnant. If it scored 90 percent in homework, it ended up scoring 90 or 92 at the conclusion of the semester.”
This work was supported by the Grants for Advancement of Teaching in Engineering program at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Aerospace Professor Tim Bretl, along with Ph.D. students Grayson Schaer and Pranay Thangeda, created the project environments, developed course materials and the PrairieLearn infrastructure.
The study, “The Lazy Student’s Dream: ChatGPT Passing an Engineering Course on Its Own,” by Gokul Puthumanaillam and Melkior Ornik is available online and will be presented at 14th International Federation of Automatic Control Symposium on Advances in Control Education in June.
The syllabus and course materials for AE 353: Aerospace Control Systems, as well as sample prompts used in the research are available online.
Noatum Maritime and ASRY Mark Commencement of JV with Tugboat Delivery
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 18 April 2025: Noatum Maritime and The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) have marked the operational commencement of their joint venture (JV) to provide integrated marine services in Bahrain, with the arrival of four modern tugs at ASRY’s headquarters.
The arrival of the tugs, part of Noatum Maritime’s existing fleet, was celebrated during a ceremony attended by representatives from various ministries, public bodies and leading industrial firms at ASRY’s headquarters in Bahrain.
This development follows the announcement of the JV in February 2025, which aims to expand the current marine service offering in Bahrain and across the wider region. The partnership, to be known as ASRY Marine, is aligned with both parties’ strategic goals to expand capabilities and diversify service offerings.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The arrival and deployment of these advanced tugs symbolise the official commencement of our strategic partnership with ASRY. We look forward to utilising our decades of expertise in this field to deliver greater operational efficiency, reliability and value to customers.”
Dr. Ahmed Al Abri, CEO – ASRY said: “We take pride in setting the stage for our new partnership with Noatum Maritime through this occasion. The new tugboats feature advanced technologies that will undoubtedly support and enhance current marine services, while also enabling the introduction of new ones. This partnership is set to open new doors for marine service growth within Bahrain and across the region.”
The arrival of the tugboats signals the JV’s operational readiness, and underlines both parties’ commitment to deliver safe and efficient marine services via a sophisticated fleet.
Rap, Rhythm, and Hype: Emiway Bantai Lights Up Infiniti Mall, Malad!
Mumbai, 17th April 2025: Infiniti Mall, a premier hub for shopping and entertainment, is set to come alive with an electrifying performance on 10th May at 7 pm. Fans can gear up for an unforgettable evening as Emiway Bantai, one of India’s most talented rappers, takes the stage for a high-energy performance.
Known for his razor-sharp lyrics and infectious beats, Emiway has taken the Indian hip-hop culture by storm with chart-topping anthems like Firse Machayenge, Jump Kar, Machayenge 4, Kya Bolti Public, and Bantai Ki Public. His dynamic stage presence and power-packed performances have earned him a massive fan following across the country.
Bringing his signature energy, fiery bars, and unstoppable beats, Emiway Bantai is ready to drop the mic and set the stage on fire with a night of pure hip-hop adrenaline! Don’t miss this thrilling experience at Infiniti Mall, Malad – get ready to jump, vibe, and be part of an epic celebration!
Also find below the booking link : https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/emiway-bantai-live-mumbai/ET00434549?
AsiaOne Honours Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan with Diplomatic Excellence Award
Hyderabad, April 17, 2025: H.E. Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, has been conferred the prestigious ‘AsiaOne Diplomatic Excellence Award for 2024-25. The award ceremony took place at the SIT20 Saudi Arabia India Thailand 20 Summit under the aegis of the 25th Edition of the Asian Business and Social Forum at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today.
The award recognizes Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan’s exceptional efforts in boosting trade, tourism, and cultural links between India and Kazakhstan. Mr. Yermek Aitmagambetov, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India; received the award on behalf of Dr. Khan.
This recognition highlights Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan’s dedication to fostering bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. As Honorary Consul, Dr. Khan has been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation between India and Kazakhstan.
MAAC Hosts ‘Behind the Screens’ Webinar for 5000 Students
MUMBAI, 17 April, 2025: Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), a premiere institute and pioneer in high-end 3D animation, Gaming & VFX training, organised a special webinar for its students, giving them an exclusive and in-depth understanding of the world of game design, virtual environments, storytelling and beyond. Over 5000 students from MAAC’s centres across India attended the webinar online. The event is part of MAAC’s ongoing initiative called Behind the Screens, which aims to provide real-world industry exposure to its students, setting a new benchmark by leveraging strong industry ties to prepare students for successful careers in the growing AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) industry.
The webinar was presented by Ms. Kristel Anbu, Lead Game Designer, Zynga Games, and live streamed across 120 MAAC centres in India. Ms. Kristel is a distinguished leader in the gaming industry with over 12 years of experience, specialising in casual simulation games. At Zynga, Ms. Kristel leads the design and development of FarmVille 2: Country Escape, alongside working on some renowned titles like Café World, Mafia Wars, and many more. Currently, she looks at the free-to-play and live ops verticals, new game mechanics and optimisations, and leading design efforts on revenue-focused pods. She has spent several years working on free-to-play games, where she finds joy in delivering immersive, rewarding experiences to Zynga players. Kristel wants to write stories and architect designs for the players, so going from narrative to game design seemed like a natural progression for her.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, and Brand Custodian, MAAC, said, “At MAAC, we rally behind community-led platforms such as Behind the Screens that play a crucial role in skilling our students to prepare them for their careers in the AVGC-XR industry. The session by Ms. Kristel Anbu of Zynga Games offers pivotal industry exposure for our students, helping to bridge the gap between their academic training and the demands of today’s industry. Our students found immense value in her session as they learnt to bridge the crucial gaps between narrative building and then executing that vision inside a virtual or the game’s environment, that Ms. Kristel specialises in. I extend our gratitude to Kristel to taking the time out and engaging with our students, and we look forward to hosting more such experiences with her in the future!”
Highlighting the impact of this workshop, Ms. Kristel Anbu, Lead Game Designer, Zynga Games, shared, ““It was a pleasure to share insights into the gaming industry with the students of MAAC. The conversation around the industry’s growth, emerging opportunities, and what the future might hold was genuinely exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing how these future professionals shape the space in the years to come.”
With the AVGC industry poised for significant growth, MAAC’s continued efforts to provide such platforms to students ensures they are well-prepared for future opportunities in the global media landscape. The webinar not only showcased MAAC’s commitment to skill-building but is also aligned with the government’s vision of fostering a self-reliant India (Viksit Bharat). The real-world exposure and professional insights shared during the event strengthened the trust in MAAC’s commitment to inspiring future industry leaders.
Label Apurva Unveils Bold SS’25 Line
Mumbai, India, April 17, 2025 – In a fashion landscape often dominated by exclusivity, Label Apurva flips the script—unveiling its Spring/Summer ’25 collection with a powerful message: every body is couture-worthy. Founded by visionary designer Apurva Shah, the label is reshaping Indian luxury with a thoughtful blend of heritage craftsmanship, modern silhouettes, and inclusive sizing up to 6XL.
“Fashion has long celebrated a certain type of body, a certain kind of woman,” says Shah. “With Label Apurva, I wanted to change that narrative—to create a space where people feel seen, empowered, and beautiful in clothes that honor both their identity and their culture.”
Titled “Heavenly Hues,” the Spring/Summer ’25 pret collection is a vivid celebration of India’s artisanal legacy—most notably Kalamkari—reimagined through contemporary forms. The spotlight is on handcrafted co-ord sets, breezy shirt dresses, and festive-ready separates, all elevated with intricate hand embroidery, zardozi, appliqué work, and rich surface textures. Each piece is a story in itself—a tribute to Indian craftsmanship, brought to life with modern elegance.
Beyond aesthetics, Label Apurva champions inclusivity—not just in size but in spirit. Every garment is thoughtfully designed to offer customised fits and crafted using eco-conscious materials through ethical, small-batch production practices. From soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones, the collection is imbued with emotion, intention, and joy—perfect for the warm seasons ahead.
“Sustainability and inclusivity are not add-ons for us—they’re the pillars of our brand,” says Shah. “We’re proving that luxury can be welcoming, expressive, and deeply rooted in Indian values.”
Already beloved by celebrities like Raveena Tandon, Saina Nehwal, Falaq Naaz, and Divyanka Tripathi, Label Apurva is gaining momentum with the launch of its flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai and an expanding digital presence via www.labelapurva.co.in. Collaborations with leading multi-designer platforms such as Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, Ensemble, Aza, and Nykaa Fashion are in the works, further cementing its presence in India’s fashion landscape.
From Gen Z trendsetters to millennial professionals, Label Apurva’s fresh yet rooted style is resonating with a new generation that demands more from fashion—style, substance, and sustainability.
“In five years, we hope to be a global Indian voice in fashion,” Shah adds, “not just for what we create, but for what we stand for.”
Label Apurva isn’t just a fashion label—it’s a movement. A celebration of self-expression, heritage, and meaningful luxury that finally includes everyone.
Dalmia Bharat Celebrates Heritage Day at Red Fort
New Delhi, April 17, 2025: To mark World Heritage Day (celebrated annually on April 18), Monument Mitra Dalmia Bharat hosted a specially curated evening at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, offering visitors an engaging journey through its rich past. The initiative aimed to build a stronger connection with India’s cultural legacy through immersive storytelling that brought the monument’s history and architecture to life.
The experience began with a guided heritage walk from Lahori gate, led by historian and storyteller Mr. Anas Khan of Unzip Delhi. The walk focused on highlighting lesser-known aspects of the Red Fort, including its architectural symbolism, design influences, forgotten narratives from the Mughal period. It drew attention to how the fort’s original layout was shaped by both Persian design principles and Hindu Shilpshastra, with the intent to represent Jannat, or paradise on earth. Visitors were introduced to elements like floral motifs and spatial layouts that reflect deeper cultural and philosophical ideas embedded in the monument’s construction. Next on the stop was the Red Fort Visitor Centre, an architecturally restored 19th-century British barrack that blends heritage with modern storytelling. It features a museum, a 360° immersive show on Red Fort’s history and an augmented reality photography zone for an interactive visitor experience. The evening concluded with the acclaimed ‘Jai Hind’ Sound & Light Show, a multisensory spectacle featuring projection mapping, life-sized puppets, live performances with narration by legendary actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan. The show charts India’s journey from the Mughal period to modern times, leaving visitors with a powerful sense of national pride and historical perspective.
Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, MD & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited shared, “As the Monument Mitra for Red Fort, our efforts are in line with the program’s vision of building stronger connect with our vibrant legacy and therefore re-imaging the storytelling for contemporary India. The core idea is to make it an engaging experience for the youth – stories of our past, that defined and shaped us, narrated with modern day sensibilities. In a globalised world, India and Indians has its own unique identity. This identity defines our values, our successes and keeps us connected and rooted. With multi-stakeholder efforts, we hope to see monuments thrive as spaces of heritage and cultural connect.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Red Fort as a world-class heritage destination, Monument Mitra Dalmia Bharat has introduced engaging visitor experiences like the Red Fort Visitor Centre and the mesmerizing ‘Jai Hind’ Sound and Light Show. Dalmia Bharat’s efforts reflect a sustained commitment to heritage preservation, bridging the past and the present and reimagining how modern audiences connect with India’s historic landmarks.
World Phygital Community Unveils 2025/26 Qualifiers
HONG KONG, 17-04-25: This week, the World Phygital Community (WPC) announced the 2025/2026 ranking tournament season for athletes and clubs aiming to qualify for the Games of the Future in Kazakhstan next year. Running from August 1st to December 15th, 2025, the tournaments hosted by WPC members worldwide, will provide the opportunity for clubs and athletes to show their prowess in phygital sports and qualify to compete at the largest global phygital sport’s event next year.
During the season, phygital competitors will participate in a round of regional tournaments within each participating country called Phygital Origins, followed by national tournaments, which are called Phygital Rivals.
Dan Merkley, Chairperson of the WPC, said, “This new season will be the biggest ever. With 96 World Phygital Community members across 92 countries, this is the chance for anyone who wants to be part of this fast-growing phenomenon to step up and prove themselves. Phygital sport is for everyone, and we are eager to see which phygital superstars emerge this season.”
Tournaments can feature the following core disciplines: Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Shooter and Phygital Dancing. The first three consist of two stages—a digital round, where athletes compete in a video game version of the discipline, followed by a physical round, where they face off in a real-world version of the discipline. Phygital Dancing tournaments use well-known dancing video games to deliver the phygital experience in a single stage.
Following conclusion of these tournaments in December, rankings are calculated and the top two clubs and athletes in each discipline will go straight through to the Games of the Future 2026, while clubs and athletes placed 3rd – 26th will go through to the Phygital Contenders tournament to fight for their place at the event.
Prior to the season starting, all WPC members can apply to host Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals tournaments from May 1st till July 31st, 2025.
TechChefz Digital Unveils Talent Division
New Delhi, April 17, 2025 – TechChefz Digital, a leading digital transformation agency, has announced the launch of its newly incubated business unit, TechChefz Talent, a specialized staffing solutions provider designed to address the pressing workforce challenges faced by organizations worldwide. Talent acquisition remains a major hurdle for businesses, with 93% of companies struggling to attract and retain skilled professionals. TechChefz Talent is positioned as a strategic partner for organizations looking to scale efficiently, access niche skills, and overcome talent scarcity with ease.
TechChefz Talent offers a robust suite of services that empower businesses to manage workforce demands, ensuring they stay agile and competitive. Whether an organization is dealing with high attrition rates, struggling to hire niche talent, or aiming to set up new practices, TechChefz Talent provides tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs.
TechChefz Talent delivers a broad range of services to help businesses seamlessly build, scale, and optimize their teams. Its Talent Augmentation Services provide skilled professionals to augment existing teams, ensuring agility and efficiency in project execution. The Hiring Services streamline the recruitment process through talent sourcing, pre-screening, and background verification. Upskill helps bridge skill gaps by identifying training needs and providing targeted learning opportunities. Talent Consulting & Intelligence offers strategic workforce consulting, market analysis, and salary benchmarking.
“Talent is the cornerstone of any successful business, yet finding the right talent remains a significant challenge, with our deep expertise and flexible staffing models, TechChefz Talent is set to transform the way organizations build their teams, ensuring they have the right people in place to drive growth and innovation,” said Mayank Maggon, Founder, CEO & CTO, TechChefz Digital.
In addition, TechChefz Talent provides Build Operate & Transfer services to establish and manage operational teams before seamlessly transferring them back to businesses. Turnkey Services enable organizations to set up offshore development centers with end-to-end payroll and operational management. Global Talent Mobility facilitates seamless international hiring and manages immigration formalities for businesses expanding globally.
While TechChefz Digital continues to focus on digital transformation and technology-driven solutions, TechChefz Talent operates as an independent entity, dedicated exclusively to providing workforce solutions. By maintaining separate brand identities, both units can focus on their core expertise while delivering the highest value to their respective clients.