Nike has unveiled a prototype electric shoe called Project Amplify, created in collaboration with robotics company Dephy. The new shoes feature a motor, drivetrain, and battery that attaches to the calf, allowing them to act as an extra muscle and reduce strain while running or walking.
“The first-generation shoe system consists of a lightweight, powerful motor, drive belt, and battery cuff that seamlessly integrate with carbon fiber sneakers that can be worn with or without the robotic system. This allows athletes who are involved in sports daily to walk or run more often, for longer, getting more pleasure – adding movement to their lives, extending the time for walking or helping them enjoy running for another mile or two, ”the company noted.
During internal tests, some participants were able to reduce their mile time from 12 to 10 minutes. At the same time, the company emphasizes that the system is not intended for professional athletes. Testing is currently underway at the Nike Sport Research Lab. More than 400 people took part in it, who together covered 2.4 million steps, testing nine different versions of the shoe. Each stage was aimed at improving individual elements of the system.
“Our task is to dream of something large-scale, while putting athletes at the center of attention. Project Amplify started with one question: What if we could find a way to help athletes move faster and further with less effort and a lot more fun? Essentially, Project Amplify is about seamlessly adding a little more power to your step. The joy comes from realizing you can do more than you thought you could, ”said Michael Donaghue, Nike’s vice president of Future Creation, Emerging Sports and Innovation.
