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At first glance, they look like ordinary sneakers—stylish, lightweight, and modern. But hidden inside is technology designed to make everyday travel safer and more independent for people who are blind or have low vision.
Known as InnoMake Smart Shoes, these innovative shoes use built-in sensors to detect obstacles and alert the wearer before they make contact. While they aren’t intended to replace traditional mobility aids like a white cane or guide dog, they can provide an additional layer of awareness in certain situations.
What Are InnoMake Smart Shoes?
Developed with assistive technology in mind, InnoMake Smart Shoes feature a small ultrasonic sensor integrated into the front of each shoe.
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As the wearer walks, the sensor continuously scans the area ahead, detecting objects several feet (or meters) away. When an obstacle is identified, the system immediately notifies the user through vibration, audible alerts, or a connected smartphone app, depending on the model and settings.
The goal is to help users react sooner and navigate with greater confidence.
How the Technology Works
The shoes use ultrasonic sensing, similar to the parking sensors found in many modern vehicles.
Here’s how the process works:
- The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency sound waves.
- These waves bounce off nearby objects.
- The sensor measures how long the echoes take to return.
- The system calculates the distance to the obstacle.
- The wearer receives an alert if an object is within the selected detection range.
Because the process happens continuously, users receive real-time feedback while walking.
What Can the Shoes Detect?
See more on the next page to continue reading →
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