Some people wear shoes with small equipment on the front to help navigate their surroundings, especially those with visual impairments.
Designated shoes for visual impairments
You might have noticed some people wearing shoes with small equipment or devices attached to the front.
These special footwear are designed to help individuals with visual impairments navigate their environment more easily and safely.
The purpose of these shoes
The shoes, known as InnoMake, are developed by an Austrian company called Tec-Innovation.
They feature built-in sensors that can detect obstacles up to 13 feet away.
The small equipment attached to these shoes serves an important function.
It usually includes devices like sensors, beacons, or even small cameras.
These tools help visually impaired individuals by providing them with additional information about their surroundings.
How do these shoes work?
The sensor fits into a slot in InnoMake and emits sound or vibration feedback.
This alerts the wearer to obstacles like curbs, parked cars, or pedestrians.
This technology is similar to the proximity sensors used in modern vehicles. It gives the wearer extra awareness, helping them react and adjust their path.
For example, sensors can detect obstacles or changes in the terrain, alerting the wearer to avoid potential dangers.
This allows them to move more confidently and safely.
The special feature
One of the key features of InnoMake is its ease of use.
The rechargeable battery can last up to a week before needing to be charged, and the full recharge time is only three hours.
This makes sure that visually impaired individuals can rely on the shoes consistently throughout their daily activities.
Additionally, they designed the shoes to be water-resistant, so the technology works even in rainy or wet conditions.
The sensor also has an “Intelligent mode” that can detect when the user is sitting down and automatically goes into sleep mode until the user stands up and begins walking again.
To further enhance the user experience, the InnoMake comes with a companion app that allows for customization.
Users set the distance at which the system alerts them to obstacles, choosing from 1.5 to 13 feet based on their comfort and needs.
Shoe development holds a crucial role in visual impairment lives
The development of these innovative footwears represents a significant step forward in assistive technology for the visually impaired.
The InnoMake shoes add extra safety and independence for people with visual impairments.
They can greatly improve daily life by reducing accidents and making it easier to move around.
In Austria, interested individuals can try on the InnoMake shoes at select shoe stores before making a purchase.
Alternatively, they can order the shoes online.