Computer scientists from Austria have introduced a groundbreaking shoe, called InnoMake, designed to help blind individuals navigate obstacles while walking,
Developed by Tec-Innovation and Graz University of Technology, this innovative shoe, priced at over $3,000, boasts waterproof ultrasonic sensors on each toe, capable of detecting obstacles up to 13 feet away.
As wearers approach objects, vibrations and sounds alert them, akin to parking sensors in vehicles. Markus Raffer, a visually impaired co-founder of Tec-Innovation, has lauded its effectiveness, noting personal benefits.
Each foot features a dedicated sensor, available as a complete shoe or retrofit option, capable of identifying an object’s nature, be it a wall, car, or stairs, and providing tailored alerts.
Future plans include incorporating camera-based recognition and machine learning for improved navigation assistance, potentially offering a “street view navigation map” for users.
Friedrich Fraundorfer at TU Graz emphasized the shoe’s potential to revolutionize the lives of visually impaired individuals, granting them greater independence and safety in navigating their surroundings.
Students purchased an antique couch at a market and brought it back to their dorm room
In February, a group of friends stumbled upon a couch at a Salvation Army store. After enjoying a movie night, they discovered something odd nestled within the cushions. Upon closer inspection, they uncovered several bubble wrap envelopes containing a staggering $41,000. Although they initially considered using the unexpected fortune, their ethical principles took precedence.
When they found an envelope addressed to a woman, their entitlement faded, prompting them to return the money. With assistance from their parents, they tracked down the woman and returned the funds she had stashed in the couch for over three decades. This money, given to her by her late husband, had been intended to support her after his death.
The friends felt proud of their decision, and in a touching gesture, the woman rewarded their integrity with a $1,000 gift. This incident highlights the significance of moral character and the importance of making the right choices, even when faced with surprising financial gains.
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