Footeye

Footeye is a term used in robotics and human–computer interaction to describe an integrated sensing modality that combines foot-mounted proprioceptive data with visual information gathered by gaze tracking or eye-mounted cameras. The concept emphasizes the linkage between lower-limb feedback and visual perception to improve locomotion, balance, and interaction with the environment. The name is a portmanteau of foot and eye, highlighting the intended fusion of tactile and visual modalities.

Technical approach: In practice, footeye relies on sensor fusion to merge signals from pressure or accelerometer sensors in footwear or feet with eye-tracking data or foot-level cameras. Algorithms such as probabilistic filters, SLAM, or visual-inertial odometry can be extended to incorporate footstate variables, providing more robust state estimation, especially on uneven terrain or when line-of-sight is partially obstructed.

Applications: Potential uses include legged robots requiring stable navigation in rough terrain, prosthetic devices that adapt to gait and gaze, athletic training systems providing feedback on foot placement and gaze, and industrial teleoperation where operators rely on foot controls complemented by eye cues.

Variations and related terms: Related ideas include gaze-assisted locomotion, gaze-foot coordination, and foot-mounted sensors integrated with visual SLAM. The term footeye is not standardized and appears in niche discussions and speculative design rather than as a universally defined technology.