SPINEFLEX AI: AI-Powered Smart Posture Monitoring and Spinal Alignment System for Scoliosis Management

About the Project

SpineFlex AI is a smart wearable back-support prototype developed to monitor posture and spinal movement, particularly for individuals with scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition that causes abnormal curvature of the spine, and continuous monitoring of posture and movement outside clinical settings remains challenging. Users may be unaware of changes in their posture during daily activities, while conventional monitoring relies mainly on periodic clinical examinations and traditional support devices that may not provide digital movement data or immediate feedback. Therefore, this innovation aims to develop a wearable system that can detect changes in posture and movement in real time, collect movement data, provide immediate feedback when a predetermined threshold is exceeded, and display monitoring information in an easy-to-understand format. The prototype consists of flex sensors, an ESP32 microcontroller, a vibration motor, a rechargeable battery or small power bank, an elastic or breathable mesh brace with Velcro, and a simple mobile application or dashboard. The flex sensors detect changes in bending and movement, while the ESP32 processes the sensor data and enables communication with the application. A vibration motor provides immediate feedback when the demonstration threshold is reached. The novelty of SpineFlex AI lies in integrating wearable technology, real-time movement monitoring, vibration feedback and digital data visualisation into a single system. The innovation is applicable as a posture and movement monitoring tool and can also support awareness of movement trends over time. With an estimated prototype cost of RM110–RM215, the system is relatively affordable and uses components that are readily available. The innovation has educational and commercial potential in the wearable technology and smart healthcare sectors. Its expected impact includes promoting awareness of posture monitoring and enabling students to apply Biology, Physics, Mathematics, programming and engineering design to a real-world problem. Future commercialisation may include AI-based movement pattern analysis, thinner sensors, smaller batteries, 3D body scanning and secure health-record connectivity. However, SpineFlex AI is intended as a monitoring and educational prototype and does not replace professional medical assessment.