Falling is a universal experience—whether it’s a toddler learning to walk, kids playing tag, or athletes slipping on wet grass. While many falls are harmless, the implications for shoe manufacturers are serious. In the U.S., non-fatal falls cost around $170 billion annually, and companies can be held liable if their shoes don't meet required friction standards.

To ensure safety, companies test the traction of their footwear using large, stationary machines that require surfaces to be artificially built onto them. This limits testing to controlled environments and lacks real-world flexibility. Some mobile solutions exist but they are difficult to transport. Other international efforts show promise but still fall short in portability and ease of use.

We’ve developed a portable traction tester designed for real-world use. It’s compact enough to fit in a car trunk and can be transported and operated by just two people. The device uses an electronic actuator and linear bearing system to simulate the force of a human step—up to 225 pounds—while integrated sensors calculate coefficients of friction directly on site. To ensure consistent and accurate results, the tester is stabilized during operation and adheres to ASTM standards for surface and shoe preparation. All components are calibrated and tuned for precision, making this a practical and reliable solution for real-time traction testing.