Research

AI-LEADS builds AI-powered technology for accessible, scalable, timely, objective autism screening. Each project below brings that work to families and clinicians.

iGAIT, an AI-powered web app for gait-based autism screening

prototype available for demo; to be launched soon

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  Ordinary walking video

  A short video of a child walking is all we need — no clinic visit, no wearable sensors, no motion-capture lab.

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  AI gait analysis

  Pose estimation and machine learning turn the video into kinematic gait measures and a screening result.

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  Screening on any device

  Our iGAIT web tool puts the analysis in reach of families and clinicians on a computer or a phone.

Step By Step: How AI Powered Gait Analysis Is Transforming Autism Screening

Media coverage

• [March 3, 2026] Northern Star. "AI LEADS transform autism screening through AI-powered gait".
• [May 22, 2025] Daily Chronicle - Shaw Local. "iGAIT: Where AI Meets Autism Research at NIU".
• [April 14, 2025] NIU Newsroom. "How AI-powered gait analysis is transforming autism screening".
• [March 14, 2025] NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology News. "Transformative Tech & Connection: CEET Profs Shine at Huskie Trek Talks".
• [March 2025] NIU Alumni Association. "Huskie Trek Talks Unveils Innovative Research, Artistry and Engagement".

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