A team of computer scientists in Austria has developed a cutting-edge wearable designed to help blind and visually impaired individuals walk more safely and independently. The product, called InnoMake, is a smart shoe that uses advanced sensors to detect obstacles in the wearer’s path.

Created by the Austrian startup Tec-Innovation in collaboration with Graz University of Technology, the shoes are equipped with waterproof ultrasonic sensors embedded near the toes. These sensors can detect objects up to 13 feet away, alerting users through vibrations and audio signals—similar to the way parking sensors work in cars.

Each shoe has its own sensor and can be purchased as a full pair or as a retrofit that attaches to existing footwear. The system can recognize the type of obstacle—like a wall, vehicle, or staircase—and respond with specific feedback to help the user navigate.

The technology was co-developed by Markus Raffer, a visually impaired entrepreneur who says the shoes have already made a meaningful difference in his daily life.

Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate cameras and machine learning to make the shoes even smarter—potentially offering a sort of “street view” navigation to guide users more precisely.

Friedrich Fraundorfer, a professor at Graz University of Technology, believes this innovation could be a game-changer for the blind community, dramatically improving mobility, confidence, and independence.

The shoes retail for just over $3,000.