👟 InnoMake: Smart Shoes Guiding the Visually Impaired Toward Greater Independence
A team of computer scientists in Austria has unveiled InnoMake — an innovative smart shoe designed to assist visually impaired individuals in detecting and avoiding obstacles while walking. Developed through a collaboration between Tec-Innovation, an Austrian tech company, and Graz University of Technology, the shoe leverages advanced sensor technology to enhance mobility and safety.
🔍 How It Works
Each InnoMake shoe is equipped with a waterproof ultrasonic sensor mounted on the toe. These sensors can detect objects up to 13 feet (4 meters) away and function similarly to automotive parking sensors. Upon detecting an obstacle, the system sends vibration or audio signals to the wearer, alerting them in real time.
Hazards such as walls, steps, vehicles, or other objects are identified and categorized, allowing the wearer to navigate more safely and confidently. The shoe’s feedback system adjusts based on the type and distance of the obstacle, giving more detailed cues about the surrounding environment.
🧠 Designed by Experience, for Real Life
Markus Raffer, co-founder of Tec-Innovation and visually impaired himself, played a key role in shaping the InnoMake system. His personal experiences directly influenced the design, ensuring it meets the day-to-day needs of users.
The product is available as a complete shoe or as a retrofit sensor that can be attached to other footwear — offering flexibility and accessibility for different users.
🚀 Future-Ready Technology
Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate camera-based object recognition and machine learning algorithms. This would allow the system to create a virtual street-level map from the user’s perspective, highlighting walkable paths and providing even more detailed spatial awareness.
Friedrich Fraundorfer, an expert at Graz University of Technology, emphasized the potential of this enhancement: “Camera data enables the identification of walkable areas and distinguishes between types of obstacles, significantly boosting safety.”
💡 A Leap Forward in Assistive Tech
Retailing at over $3,000, InnoMake is an investment in mobility, independence, and dignity for the blind and visually impaired community. It represents a significant leap forward in wearable assistive devices — blending cutting-edge technology with practical, human-centered design.
