For most of us, a crack in the sidewalk or a low-hanging branch is a two-second glance away from being avoided. For the visually impaired, it’s a potential collision that can turn a simple walk into an obstacle course. Enter InnoMake—a pair of Australian-engineered smart shoes that turn the ground beneath your feet into a sonar field, pinging you before you ever hit the hazard.
1. How the “Eyes” Work
Tec-Innovation embeds ultrasonic sensors into each shoe’s toe cap. Every 60 milliseconds the sensor emits a sound wave and waits for the echo. If something solid bounces back within a preset range (as close as 0.5 m or as far as 4 m), the shoe reacts instantly:
Vibration pulse against the top of your foot—like a phone on silent.
Audible beep (optional) that grows faster the closer you get.
Bluetooth nudge to your phone if you prefer haptic-only alerts through a smartwatch.
The rechargeable battery slides into a molded slot and lasts up to a week on a 3-hour USB charge—roughly the same cadence as a smartphone top-up.
2. Custom Control in Your Pocket
A free companion app lets users:
Switch between indoor (shorter range, no audio) and outdoor modes.
Choose vibration only, sound only, or both.
Set minimum detection distance—great for crowded subways versus open sidewalks.
Record step analytics (distance walked, obstacles avoided) for orientation-and-mobility instructors.
The shoes also auto-detect when they’re slipped on; sensors sleep the moment you sit still for five minutes, stretching battery life.
3. Built Like Everyday Footwear
InnoMake looks like a neutral running shoe—mesh upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole—so wearers don’t stand out as “disabled tech.” Two styles are offered: sneakers and dress-casual oxfords, both available in black or white. Each pair ships with an extra set of sensor caps and a magnetic charging cable.
4. Real-World Impact
Early adopters in Melbourne report 45 % fewer cane collisions during orientation training. One user, 19-year-old Sarah, says the vibration cue gives her enough time to veer around café chairs that her cane usually finds too late. “It’s like having guard rails at ankle height,” she told local news.
5. What You Can Do
Don’t stare at the shoes—or the wearer—if you hear a faint beep.
Offer verbal assistance if someone looks disoriented; ask first.
Keep walkways clear; even smart tech can’t defeat a badly placed delivery box.
InnoMake isn’t a miracle, but it’s one more tool turning “watch out” into “I’ve got this.” And that small shift in confidence can change the entire geography of a sidewalk.
