Could wearable tech help us with our balance?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-09-02 09:01

Australia; VIC

Photo by Age Cymru on Unsplash

Researchers could one day develop wearable devices that help us keep our feet the same way engineers prevent buildings from toppling over, according to Australian researchers. Inspired by technologies that reduce vibrations in bridges and buildings, the researchers used computer simulations to investigate whether similar technology could be used to reduce swaying in a standing human. While their study was done using computer simulations only, the researchers say their findings show that wearable technologies could be developed to assist people who struggle with their balance, such as older people and those with neurological conditions.

News release

From: The Royal Society

Human balance as a resonance-governed system: targeted modal attenuation via passive mass coupling

Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Maintaining balance becomes increasingly difficult with ageing, fatigue, and neurological conditions, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Inspired by technologies used to reduce vibrations in buildings and bridges, this study explored whether a small wearable device could help stabilize human balance by redistributing movement energy within the body. Using computer simulations of standing balance, we found that a lightweight “virtual tuned mass damper” could selectively reduce sway without restricting normal movement. The findings provide a new theoretical foundation for developing wearable technologies that may one day assist balance control and help reduce fall risk in vulnerable populations.

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Journal/
conference: Royal Society Interface

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Victoria University

Funder: No funding has been received for this article.

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