Augmenting Balance and Spatial Awareness in Parkinson’s Disease: A Wearable Assistive Tail

Overview

This project explores how a wearable tail could help seniors with Parkinson’s disease maintain balance, reducing their risk of falls. Using built-in sensors to detect when they are unstable, the tail acts as a counterweight, actively shifting their balance. Unlike many common support devices, the tail shines for its compact, modular design that goes beyond traditional structural belts, which cannot respond in real time. Testing yielded data demonstrating the tail's practical effectiveness in real-world settings, improving recovery from imbalances. Optimal configurations vary among individuals, enabled to be tested by the high customizability of the tail's 3D-printed components. The practical application of the tail holds the potential to make a great difference for people with Parkinson's: a low-cost, wearable solution reduces fall risk and keeps money in an individual's own pocket, allowing them to walk naturally feeling more independent and safe in daily life.

Awards (3)

• Young Scientist Award
• Gold Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Health & Wellness

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