Here’s a polished six‑paragraph rewrite of the text (≈ 300 words):
The InnoMake shoe is a bold innovation designed to assist visually impaired and elderly individuals in navigating their environment more safely. Developed by Austrian startup Tec‑Innovation in partnership with TU Graz, the shoe is fitted with ultrasonic sensors at the toe. These sensors detect obstacles up to four meters ahead and relay warnings through vibration, audio cues, and visual signals. The design is intended to be unobtrusive and intuitive, integrating seamlessly with daily life rather than drawing attention to itself.
One noteworthy feature is the system’s ability not only to sense that an obstacle exists but also to characterize it. The technology can distinguish common hazards like walls, stairs, or holes, and adjust its alerts accordingly—something especially critical for users who rely on subtle cues. As the wearer approaches an obstacle, warning signals become more urgent, helping the user respond in time.
Beyond the current version, Tec‑Innovation and TU Graz are collaborating to add a camera‑based system enhanced with artificial intelligence and deep‑learning algorithms. This camera module aims to provide a richer visual context, enabling the shoe to map safe footpaths and further classify hazards in real time.
Another ambitious plan is to turn the data collected from users into shared obstacle maps—effectively creating a “street‑view” layer that blind and visually impaired users could benefit from collectively. This crowdsourced approach could alert wearers in advance to known dangers in specific areas, improving navigation safety.
As for price, the current InnoMake shoe is positioned as a premium assistive device. It retails for about €3,200 (roughly $3,840). While that cost is high, proponents argue that the safety, independence, and confidence it may afford users justify the investment.
Overall, InnoMake reflects a promising direction in wearable assistive tech. By combining ultrasonic sensing, tactile feedback, and AI‑driven visual intelligence, the project aims not simply to alert users of danger—but to guide them proactively. As development continues, it has the potential to reshape how the visually impaired interact with their surroundings.
