Steady

What it does

Steady supports senior dogs with vertical stability and free movement using a flexible silicone strap. It prevents falls without electricity and tracks walking patterns with a sensor, helping detect early mobility issues and enabling safe, independent walks.

Your inspiration

We were inspired by senior dogs’ strong desire to keep walking despite age-related challenges. Many elderly dogs face mobility issues like arthritis and disc problems but still want to explore the world with their owners. Existing solutions, such as strollers, wheelchairs, and harnesses, often restrict freedom or require constant assistance, making walks less enjoyable. Observing these limitations, we saw the need for a solution that balances safety and freedom. Inspired by seat belt mechanisms, we developed Steady to support dogs vertically while allowing natural movement.

How it works

Steady is designed based on seatbelt principles to create a power-free support system using a silicone strap. The inherent tension provides gentle, flexible assistance during walking, allowing the dog to move naturally. When losing balance or falling, the strap tightens to offer firm, reliable support without electricity. The supporting point height can be customized to each dog's size via a side lever. This mechanism reduces strain on joints and spine, crucial for senior dogs. Through its harness structure, it also helps prevent habitual dislocation. For proper tension and support, maintaining a vertical support angle and consistent height is essential. Steady achieves this balance, enabling stable support while allowing free exploration and comfortable movement. By combining secure support with freedom, Steady helps senior dogs maintain natural behaviors and enjoy daily adventures safely.

Design process

We collaborated with the Veterinary Department at the University of Zurich, receiving expert advice from a small animal surgery doctor and a postdoctoral researcher. By studying research on canine gait patterns and mobility issues, we explored the solutions truly needed for senior dogs. We also observed elderly dogs walking in various situations—changing direction, on inclines, and around obstacles—to understand their real-life movement and reactions. Based on these insights, we developed several full-scale prototypes to support senior dogs during walks. We tested these prototypes outdoors and on dog mannequins. Through this process, we discovered that providing vertical support from below the abdomen upward offered both freedom of movement and safety. We then worked with an engineering team to modularize the entire structure and make it feasible for mass production. Additionally, we refined the core support mechanism inspired by seatbelt principles. Instead of relying on complex systems, we implemented a silicone strap that uses its inherent elasticity. This allows for flexible support during normal walking and firm, secure support when the dog starts to fall. Through this process, we developed Steady, which balances safety and freedom.

How it is different

Steady stands out for its unique approach to supporting senior dogs' mobility. Unlike strollers, wheelchairs, or harnesses that restrict freedom or require constant assistance, Steady prioritizes both safety and autonomy. Inspired by seatbelt mechanisms, it uses a power-free silicone strap that offers flexible support during normal walking and tightens securely when the dog begins to fall. Its fully modular design allows for easy customization to fit various dog sizes and ensures simple storage when not in use. A sensor embedded in the support part analyzes walking patterns and detects early joint issues, further distinguishing Steady from other aids. Through the Steady app, you can analyze the dog's front and hind limb balance, overall walking balance, walking speed, and more. This allows for early detection of subtle walking-related diseases and helps speed up the examination process by sharing stored data directly with healthcare professionals.

Future plans

Our next development goals focus on enhancing Steady’s technical capabilities and expanding clinical applications. We plan to improve the silicone strap's tension control for personalized support and upgrade the sensors for more precise gait analysis. We also aim to introduce AI-based algorithms to predict walking issues early. By collaborating with canine rehabilitation centers, we will collect and analyze gait data from dogs using Steady, refining its effectiveness. Building a clinical data platform with experts will advance research, improve the product, and help senior dogs live healthier, more confident lives.

Awards

IF Design Student Award 2024 winner, Spark Design Award 2024 Gold, International Design Excellence Awards 2025 Finalist, Reddot Award: Design Concept 2025 winner, Minister of Trade Industry and Energy Award 2024, Art x Science Award of the university of Zurich 2024