Have you ever tripped on a curb or stubbed your toe on the sidewalk? It can happen to anyone, right? Navigating the world can sometimes be trying, even for those with perfect vision. Now, let’s try to imagine how much more difficult it would be if you were visually impaired or blind.
Individuals who are visually impaired often rely on a cane to avoid bumping into objects. They may have a specially trained service dog to guide them safely. However, there is now a cutting-edge solution available to assist those who are visually impaired or blind.
Just picture having a pair of shoes with built-in advanced technology that can warn you when you’re approaching obstacles. Things such as curbs, parked cars, other pedestrians, or anything else in your path. Think of it as having a sensor in your car that alerts you to potential blind spots, proximity to other vehicles, or the edge of the road.
Not only is this ingenious, but it grants the visually impaired a new lease on life
Tec-Innovation, an Austrian company, has developed an innovative solution known as InnoMake. InnoMake is a pair of shoes designed specifically for visually impaired individuals. These remarkable shoes come with a built-in sensor that detects obstacles and alerts the wearer through sound or vibration feedback. The sensor fits comfortably into a designated slot within the shoes. Its range extends up to an impressive distance of 13 feet, which provides ample time for users to react and adjust their path accordingly.
To ensure ease of use, the shoes have a rechargeable battery that boasts an impressive lifespan of up to one week before needing to be recharged. When the battery runs low, it can be fully charged within three hours, allowing users to rely on the shoes consistently.
This smart advancement from Tec-Innovation offers visually impaired individuals an extra layer of safety and independence as they navigate their surroundings, reducing the risk of potential accidents and improving their overall mobility.
There’s even an app that one can download at no extra charge
Upon buying a pair of InnoMake shoes, users receive the InnoMake app at no extra cost. Although the shoes can be used on their own, the app offers extra customization options. Users can adjust the distance at which they are alerted to objects, with a range spanning from 1.5 to a maximum of 13 feet.
The sensor within the shoes goes beyond obstacle detection. It is designed to be water-resistant, ensuring that the technology remains in work even in rainy or wet conditions. Moreover, when users switch to the Intelligent mode, the sensor smartly detects when the user is sitting down and automatically goes into sleep mode until the user stands up and begins walking.
Interested individuals in Austria can visit select shoe stores to try on the shoes before deciding to buy a pair. Alternatively, they can easily order the shoes online. These shoes, with built-in sensors, represent a remarkable innovation, potentially life-changing for the blind and visually impaired.