Smart Shoes
Smart shoes that adjust their size throughout the day could soon be available. A prototype has already been produced and a commercial 21 may be in production within a few years. The shoe contains sensors that constantly check the amount of room left in it. If the foot has become too large, a tiny valve opens and the shoe 22 slightly. The entire control system is about 5mm square and is located inside the shoe. This radical shoe 23 a need because the volume of the 24 foot can change by as much as 8% during the course of the day. The system is able to learn about the wearer's feet and 25 up a picture of the size of his or her feet throughout the day. It will allow the shoes to change in size by up to 8% so that they always fit 26. They are obviously more comfortable and less likely to cause blisters. From an athlete's point of view, they can help improve 27 a little, and that is why the first 28 for the system is likely to be in a sports shoe. Eventually, this system will find a 29 in many other household items, from beds that automatically change to fit the person sleeping in them, to power tools that 30 themselves to the user's hand for better grip.