Development of a Multi-purpose Test Device for Measuring Mechanical Properties of Shoes

This paper concerns on developing a multi-purpose test device for measuring mechanical properties of shoes. The device was modified from a commercial robot manipulator, with which impact, bending, and pronation tests were suggested to evaluate performances of shoes. From several experiments, the developed device could produce repetitive and consistent results corresponding to the different material of shoes. In the shoe industry, it is expected that the device could contribute to developing a better shoe for comfort of costumers.