Tracking fitness via wrist-worn bands has exploded in the past couple of years. The simplicity of these devices makes it easy for even the biggest technophobe to get the feedback he needs to motivate him to walk a little further than he would have otherwise. Using a shoe or insoles, such as what Ducere Technologies PVT. LTD. has devised with its Lechal product line, is an even less obtrusive way to measure steps taken, distance traveled and calories burned.

As Lechal General Manager Sonia Benjamin notes, in the above interview filmed at CES 2015, Lechal’s motivation to develop their shoes and insoles was to provide haptic feedback for the blind. That is, the Lechal shoes and insoles communicate to a smart phone, indicating when to turn right or left by vibrating. Benjamin also indicates that the amplitude of the vibration can be varied, such that other signals could be provided through the feet. She points out that by using inclusive design, the end product is useful for anyone, regardless of ability.