Shoes with artificial intelligence help blind people avoid obstacles

Austrian company Tec-Innovation has recently launched a smart shoe that uses ultrasonic sensors, helping the blind to detect obstacles up to 4 meters away.

According to Oddity Central (UK), called InnoMake , this smart shoe aims to become a modern alternative to the decades-old walking stick, which millions of blind people around the world use. the world is dependent on to travel as safely as possible.

The shoe is controlled by an artificial intelligence called InnoMake. (Photo: Tec-Innovation)

The shoe model is now equipped with sensors that help detect obstacles and warn the user through vibrations and audible alerts emitted on smartphones with Bluetooth connectivity.

This sounds very impressive already! However, the company is working on a much more advanced version of the shoe. It is integrating both the camera and artificial intelligence (AI) to not only detect an obstacle, but also know what it is.

The shoe model is now equipped with sensors to detect obstacles. (Photo: Tec-Innovation)

The company Tec-Innovation has partnered with the University of Graz in Austria to develop cutting-edge learning algorithms that analyze information from sensors and cameras built into InnoMake shoes. From there, the shoe can determine if the area has obstructions and is safe to walk through. It even distinguishes many different types of obstacles.

"It not only alerts me that I'm facing an obstacle, but also gives information about that type of obstruction. Because knowing whether the obstacle is a wall, car, or ladder makes all the difference." big," said Markus Raffer, one of the founders of Tec-Innovation. Surprisingly, Raffer is also a blind person.

Shoes can distinguish different types of obstructions. (Photo: Tec-Innovation).

'The ultrasonic sensors at the toe of the shoe can detect obstacles up to 4 meters away. The user of the shoe will be alerted by a vibration mechanism and an audible signal. It works very well and has helped me a lot," added Mr. Raffer.

The current version of the InnoMake shoe is on sale on the company's website for $3,850 per pair. While it doesn't yet have a camera function as the company continues to work on it, the shoe is still an impressive piece of technology, featuring advanced modes and algorithms that make it as easy to use as possible.

Rich is integrated with both camera and artificial intelligence (AI). (Photo: Tec-Innovation).

Tec-Innovation's website says users can make changes in real time using buttons on the back of the shoe. The operating range can be increased to 4 meters at the touch of a button.

"You can activate smart mode, which automatically pauses when you sit. You can also use InnoMake as a scanner to gather information about your surroundings through every step , " the company said. said.

This advanced system is integrated in the forefoot, which is water and dust resistant. It's powered by a super-durable battery that can last up to a week, depending on how often you use it. The battery can be fully charged in 3 hours using a USB cable.

The shoes are water and dust resistant. (Photo: Tec-Innovation).

The next step for Tec-Innovation is to use the data collected by its system to create an all-view navigation map for the visually impaired.

"At the current stage, only shoe wearers benefit from the data it collects as they walk. It would be better if this data was used for others as a navigation aid as well. ", explains computer scientist Friedrich Fraundorfer.