InnoMake: smart shoes that offer new sight to the blind

In recent years, technological progress has allowed the development of innovative solutions to improve the lives of people with disabilities, even if the field of assistance to the blind and visually impaired remains a complex and difficult challenge to resolve, despite the progress made in the sector . Aside from systems such as smart sticks and hi-tech glasses, the space for new solutions, increasingly sophisticated and integrated into everyday life, remains wide open: this is where InnoMake enters the scene, a revolutionary project developed by the Austrian startup Tec-Innovation GmbH, in collaboration with the University of Graz.

Innovation that walks at your feet

The idea behind InnoMake is as simple as it is revolutionary. These are shoes equipped with ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles in the wearer’s path, capable of providing real-time signals through vibrations, sounds and lights. This technology aims to improve the safety and autonomy of blind or visually impaired people by integrating the obstacle detection function directly into an essential part of everyday clothing, namely footwear.

The system is based on a sensing module mounted between the sole and upper, which emits ultrasound pulses. The impulses are reflected by surrounding objects and returned in the form of coded signals, which in turn are transformed into vibrations perceivable by the user’s foot. The detection area covers a radius of approximately four metres, allowing the person to identify obstacles before reaching them and take the necessary measures to avoid them.

Not just vibrations: sounds and lights for accurate reporting

One of the most impressive features of InnoMake is the variety of signals provided to the user. We are not limited to vibrations: the user also receives acoustic and light signals, so we will have different ways to understand the surrounding environment.
The vibrations, transmitted through the sole, offer a direct tactile indication of the presence of an obstacle. This is perhaps the most immediate way for those wearing the shoes, since the physical sensations allow them to understand the urgency of the situation. In addition to this, InnoMake is equipped with beepers that transmit information through the user’s phone, connected via Bluetooth. The phone can be conveniently placed in your pocket or connected to a pair of earphones to receive alerts without disturbing those around you.
For visually impaired people, the shoes also feature LEDs on the toe, which provide visual guidance in dimly lit environments. The LEDs can flash when the user approaches an obstacle, adding an extra layer of safety and awareness.

Resistance and reliability in all conditions

InnoMakes are also extremely durable. The sensors and detection modules are protected by waterproof and dust-resistant shells, which makes them suitable for a wide range of environmental conditions: a truly fundamental aspect, especially considering that the shoes will have to be worn in different contexts, from city asphalt to the most impervious and uneven surfaces.
Battery life is another key element: the shoes can run for a whole week on a single charge. Charging is done via a micro-USB cable, similar to that used for smartphones, making the process simple and accessible for everyone.

The ‘Pro’ version: a leap towards artificial intelligence

If InnoMake already represents a turning point in the assisted mobility sector, the Austrian startup is working on an even more advanced version. The evolution of InnoMake will see the integration of a microcamera on the toe of the shoe, which, in combination with artificial intelligence, will be able to analyze obstacles on the path in real time: the shoe will not simply detect the presence of an obstacle , but will also be able to provide specific feedback on the type of obstacle encountered, whether it is a wall to climb over, a hole to avoid, or a pole to go around.
Such progress is possible thanks to deep learning algorithms, which process the images captured by the camera and classify obstacles: the goal is to provide an even greater level of precision, which can help the user navigate more safely in difficult environments and unpredictable.

A global safety net

The idea of ​​Tec-Innovation does not stop at the simple smart shoe. The long-term vision is for a network of connected InnoMake users capable of creating a real-time map of urban obstacles. Imagine a city where anyone who uses these shoes can contribute to the creation of a shared database of obstacles, constantly updated, a network that would be able to warn other users, in advance, of the presence of dangers along their path. Furthermore, if worn for example by firefighters and rescuers, they will be able to facilitate search and rescue phases in extreme conditions (just think of their usefulness during a fire).

Innomake for an accessible and inclusive future

The InnoMake project represents a significant step towards a more accessible future for blind or visually impaired people, although, as the developers themselves point out, accessibility cannot be the exclusive responsibility of technology. Cities must become more inclusive, and the removal of architectural barriers is a fundamental issue that requires continuous attention, especially from institutions. InnoMake shoes can help overcome some obstacles, but a collective effort is needed to build environments that are truly accessible to all.

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