STEM II

STATERA: Assistive Technology Project

Our STEM II Assistive Technology project, STATERA, addresses the lack of a low-cost wearable device that can detect early balance loss and provide real-time vestibular feedback to help prevent falls before they occur. Our design approach uses a glasses-mounted system with three MPU-6050 IMU sensors to track head and body motion, an ESP32-S3 microcontroller to process fall-risk data, and electrodes placed behind the ears to deliver gentle galvanic vestibular stimulation when balance correction may be needed. The prototype includes a custom PCB, a rechargeable LiPo battery, PETG 3D-printed housing components, and electronics integrated onto a glasses frame to keep the device lightweight, wearable, and secure. Overall, STATERA is designed to be safe, noninvasive, comfortable, and easy to use while providing a more proactive alternative to traditional fall-assistance devices such as canes, walkers, and alert watches.