## 1 Introduction

Table 1: _Cont._While assessing rehabilitative devices and identifying functional limits resulting from pathologies, three-dimensional instrumented gait analysis is a useful technique. Typical components of gait analysis include analysis of spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinetics (moments and power), kinematics (joint angles and ranges of motion), and ground reaction force analysis [29]. Research in gait analysis has been limited by focusing on specific parameters such as walking speed, and spatiotemporal parameters [23; 25; 26]. These parameters provide valuable insights into individual gait pattern s [30] but only represent a portion of the multifaceted domain. Walkers have been used to measure temporal, and spatial parameters [26], but often interconnected with other systems like GaitRite or treadmills, limiting their applicability to controlled environments. Alternative solutions such as the cane robot [22], Robotic walker Walk-IT [21], and smart rollator walker [19] have been employed to assess gait parameters, but they impose certain prerequisites on participants, such as wearing tight-fitting clothing or short skirts for enhanced leg movement visibility. Other devices such as the JARoW [31], i-Walker [32], and FriWalk robotic walker [33] have also been proposed and offer a good range of sensory and motor applications [34]. However, these devices are either too expensive for a developing country end-user or are too complicated to be operated by the user without the help of a specialist. In response to these limitations, the present study endeavors to fill the gap by introducing a smart walker specifically designed to facilitate a detailed gait analysis. The smart walker allows for analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters and offers users valuable support while minimizing the risk of fall-related injuries, a concern often associated with traditional wheeled walkers. The design of the walker places minimal weight-bearing demands on the user, making it suitable for individuals with walking disabilities undergoing rehabilitation treatment using standard walkers. To assess the device's effectiveness, we conducted a pilot study involving 40 participants in an urban setting. The study included a detailed gait analysis of differences between individuals with and without osteoporosis to validate the proposed smart walkers' utility in people with osteoporosis. Our findings show that the benefits of the smart walker extend beyond its functional capabilities. The lack of specific attire during gait monitoring promotes greater convenience and ease of use. Specific infrastructure, such as treadmills or video cameras, is not required for its operation. This makes it suitable for a wide range of clinical and healthcare settings, including rehabilitation centers, homes, and outdoor environments. Notably, the versatility of this developed smart walker extends beyond its functional capabilities; it does not depend on any specific infrastructure, such as treadmills or video cameras, for its operation. This feature significantly enhances its suitability for a wide range of clinical and healthcare settings, including rehabilitation centers, homes, and outdoor environments, effectively eliminating the need for participants to wear specific attire during gait monitoring, thereby promoting greater convenience and ease of use.