A force detection system includes first and second sets of pressure sensors, memory, and a processing module. The first set of pressure sensors are in an insole of a shoe and the second set of pressure sensors are in an outsole of a shoe. The processing module receives first data regarding the first set of pressure sensors and generates a first digital representation of the first data. The processing module also receives second data regarding the second set of pressure sensors and generates a second digital representation of the second data. The processing module also writes the first and second digital representations to the memory.

A force detection system includes first and second sets of pressure sensors, memory, and a processing module. The first set of pressure sensors are in an insole of a shoe and the second set of pressure sensors are in an outsole of a shoe. The processing module receives first data regarding the first set of pressure sensors and generates a first digital representation of the first data. The processing module also receives second data regarding the second set of pressure sensors and generates a second digital representation of the second data. The processing module also writes the first and second digital representations to the memory.

A foot force detection system includes first and second shoe force detection units. The first shoe force detection unit includes pressure sensors, a processing module, and a communication unit. The pressure sensors are operably coupled to produce first force data. The processing module is operably coupled to produce a first digital representation of the first force data. The second shoe force detection unit includes its own pressure sensors, a processing module, and a communication unit. The first and second shoe force detection units communicate with each other via the communication units.

A foot force detection system includes first and second shoe force detection units. The first shoe force detection unit includes pressure sensors, a processing module, and a communication unit. The pressure sensors are operably coupled to produce first force data. The processing module is operably coupled to produce a first digital representation of the first force data. The second shoe force detection unit includes its own pressure sensors, a processing module, and a communication unit. The first and second shoe force detection units communicate with each other via the communication units.

A method includes determining, by a processing module of a foot force detection system, an athletic mode. The method further includes, when the athletic mode is active, determining, by the processing module, an athletic burst mode. The method further includes determining, by the processing module, a sampling rate for the foot force detection system based on the athletic burst mode for sampling foot force data.

A wearable foot controller for a surgical instrument may include a body configured to be worn on a foot and including a heel portion and a ball portion on an opposite end of the body from the heel portion, a heel pressure sensor, a ball pressure sensor, a heel movement sensor, a ball movement sensor, and a processor. The processor may be configured to detect activation of the heel pressure sensor and generate control data for the surgical instrument based upon the ball movement sensor when the heel pressure sensor is activated using the processor, and detect activation of the ball pressure sensor and generate control data for the surgical instrument based upon the heel movement sensor when the ball pressure sensor is activated using the processor. The processor may also be configured to communicate the control data from the processor to the surgical instrument via a communications link.

Flexible pressure sensors and wearable devices incorporating one or more flexible pressure sensors, and methods of making the same. A flexible pressure sensor includes a first layer including a plurality of pressure-sensitive microstructures, and a second layer including one or more electrode pairs, each of the one or more electrode pairs including a first electrode positioned adjacent a second electrode on the second layer. The first and second electrodes may be positioned on the second layer in a side-by-side configuration.

Flexible pressure sensors and wearable devices incorporating one or more flexible pressure sensors, and methods of making the same. A flexible pressure sensor includes a first layer including a plurality of pressure-sensitive microstructures, and a second layer including one or more electrode pairs, each of the one or more electrode pairs including a first electrode positioned adjacent a second electrode on the second layer. The first and second electrodes may be positioned on the second layer in a side-by-side configuration.

An upper component for an article of footwear allows easy entry of the foot into the article of footwear. The upper component includes a heel body, which includes a first portion partially defining an ankle opening. The heel body further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is foldable and partially defines the ankle opening. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The upper component includes at least one tension member coupled to the second portion. The tension member is movable relative to the first portion to move the second portion from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. The ankle opening is larger when the second portion is in the unfolded configuration than when the second portion is in the folded configuration.

A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging unit with one or more components configured for use with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. The components can be magnetically joined to the article in some cases. Upon connection with a power source, the article may be configured to unlace automatically. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in an automated tensioning system.