- Nike’s latest shoe uses robotics to power people
- It is designed to help “anyone with a body” walk or run faster and further.
- Nike says it wants to commercialize its technology
Nike has announced arguably the craziest creation to emerge from its Oregon-based research labs in the form of the world’s first “motorized shoe system.”
In partnership with robotics expert Dephy, Nike’s Project Amplify is designed to help everyday people walk or run a little faster.
A high-end carbon-plated running shoe is paired with a robotic leg brace, consisting of a powerful motor, drive belt, and rechargeable battery at the ankle that essentially eliminates the heavy lifting of walking or jogging.
The robotic addition can be removed and the running shoe can be worn like an old-fashioned running shoe.
Nike says Project Amplify could do for walking or jogging what e-bikes did for cycling, including allowing people to go farther and faster effortlessly.
Rather than targeting elite athletes looking to set a personal best – even if it is a very questionable question – Nike focuses on those who run at a 10-12 minute pace.
The company says the shoes, in effect, offer a “second set of calf muscles,” helping to flatten hills and generally make long morning commutes or relaxed runs more bearable over greater distances.
There’s no firm commitment on a launch date, but Nike appears serious about bringing the robotic runners to market, saying it wants to bring the shoe system to a wide consumer launch in the coming years.
Analysis: we will all be augmented one day
I have seen first-hand how some companies are increasing their workforce with motorized robotics.
Hyundai’s advanced automobile plant in Singapore, for example, sees its staff don robotic exoskeletons that help them work overhead for extended periods of time.
At the factory I even tested special pants that also serve as a stool to lighten the feet. It sounds crazy, but it actually works.
We also tried Iron Man-style exoskeletons like the Hypershell ($799 / £630 / around AU$1,315) and our review concluded that “even though it seems silly, I’d say I enjoyed it.”
Now that a name as big as Nike is getting involved on a (potentially) commercial level, you can bet that human-robotic augmentation will soon be the next big buzzword in wearables.
Follow TechRadar on Google News And add us as your favorite source to get our news, reviews and expert opinions in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp Also.
