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Introduction
After a decade of research and development, UK-based company Milbotix has officially launched SmartSocks®DISCOVERY, an innovative solution for real-time physiological data capture. At Unimedia Technology, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating as their technology partner, developing the software that powers this pioneering system.
What is SmartSocks®DISCOVERY?
SmartSocks®DISCOVERY are smart socks designed to collect physiological and physical activity data in real time, especially suited for use in clinical and medical research settings.
Unlike traditional wrist-worn devices, SmartSocks® offer a more comfortable, discreet, and better-tolerated solution for individuals with neurological conditions such as dementia, autism, or brain injuries. This makes them ideal for studies where device acceptance is key to ensuring continuous and reliable data collection.
Each pair includes an active sock (with embedded sensors) and a passive sock (without electronics). The active sock contains:
An Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensor to measure stress or arousal responses
A PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor to track heart rate and variability
An IR temperature sensor to detect skin temperature
A 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to monitor motion and gait patterns
Data is transmitted over Wi-Fi to a browser-accessible dashboard, where it can be viewed in real time or exported in formats like CSV for offline analysis. The system also includes 16GB of internal storage, allowing for session logging even when offline.
The socks are made with breathable yarn, flat seams, and soft honeycomb cuffs—ideal for users with fragile skin or limited mobility. They are also machine washable at 30 °C, as long as the sensor unit is removed beforehand.
SmartSocks®DISCOVERY represents a new generation of wearable devices: accurate, reusable, and user-centered, enabling more humane and reliable research studies.
What Has Unimedia Technology Contributed to SmartSocks®DISCOVERY?
Our team was responsible for developing the software system that powers the SmartSocks®:
A backend built on Raspberry Pi and Docker, connected to the hardware
An API developed in ASP.NET Core, bridging the client’s software with the frontend
A frontend built in Angular, accessible via browser and mobile devices
The solution also includes AWS IoT integration and key features like real-time data visualisation, export to CSV, and compatibility with custom analysis workflows.
Benefits for Researchers and Study Participants
SmartSocks®DISCOVERY brings significant advantages to both researchers and participants:
Comfortable and well-tolerated, even for extended use
Wireless and uninterrupted data collection
Reliable, diverse data available in real time
Intuitive dashboard with CSV export and historical tracking
Open API for custom integrations
Reusable components with no disposable consumables
A Successful Collaborative Project
This was a highly collaborative project, with regular meetings, milestone-based deliveries, and functional testing aligned with Milbotix’s defined requirements.
“Unimedia Technology provided clarity from the outset on the system architecture. Throughout the project, their communication and flexibility have been outstanding.”
— Zeke Steer, CEO of Milbotix
We’re proud to have contributed to a project that combines technology, healthcare, and innovation—with real impact on research and quality of life.
