“It’s like having a guide with me at all times, but I’m still in control,” he said. “It gives me confidence to move through the world without fear.”
What makes InnoMake even more versatile is its modular design. Users can purchase it as a complete shoe or as a clip-on module that fits various types of footwear—allowing for personal comfort and style without sacrificing safety.
Even more impressive, the sensors don’t just detect obstacles—they can distinguish what kind. The alert for a staircase is different from that of a wall or vehicle, helping wearers better understand their surroundings in real time.
And the future? It’s even smarter.
Researchers are already working on integrating AI and camera-based image recognition. Think real-time audio cues, identifying crosswalks, construction zones, or even recognizing landmarks—turning a walk down the street into a guided, empowering experience.
“We’re working toward a future where visually impaired individuals don’t just avoid obstacles—they move confidently and independently,” said Friedrich Fraundorfer, a computer vision expert at TU Graz.
This isn’t just convenience—it’s accessibility with dignity.
For millions, navigating city streets, unfamiliar buildings, or busy sidewalks can be exhausting and even unsafe. InnoMake bridges that gap, giving people tools to move through the world more safely and equally.
So, if you ever notice someone wearing sleek shoes with a small sensor near the toe, know this: you’re witnessing innovation in motion. A step toward greater independence. A quieter, smarter kind of revolution.