13 Aug New Trend? Headlights for Shoes?
Vibram recently exhibited its Smart Concept Sole to give some insight as to the company’s ideas for the future of sneaker technology. Along with a remote controlled LED lighting system that allows the soles to illuminate the ground ahead, Vibram anticipates the soles in future footwear to be embedded with sensors to warn the wearer of invisible environmental hazards.
…The integrated LEDs shine a diffuse array of light on the ground ahead, allowing the user to see where they’re going in the dark while still maintaining a low profile. The LEDs have three brightness settings, and a flashing red LED tail light to increase wearer visibility for activities like running at night.
….Vibram envisions the sole of the future being stocked with a variety of sensors to provide a warning system for users. A gas sensor would monitor for hazardous gases, something that could be useful in firefighting and law enforcement, while a proximity sensor would monitor for upcoming obstacles in scenarios such as dark, unfamiliar territory and smoke-filled buildings. Finally, a temperature sensor would warn of high temperature levels.