Robotic Shoe Will Make You the Fastest Walker, But Don’t Trip Over!

The world's fastest robotic shoe is here and will add electric power to your walking

The robotic shoe named Moonwalker, created by US Pittsburgh-based robotic company Shift Robotics has eight polyurethane wheels that resemble skates and are propelled by a 300-watt electric motor. Wearers, according to the business, will be able to walk at up to 11 km/hr, or a 250 percent improvement in pace.

Years ago, Nancy Sinatra sang, "This fastest robotic shoe was intended for walking, and that's just what they'll do." A Pittsburgh-based American start-up has developed shoes called the Moonwalker that would enable users to walk 250 percent faster than they were able to in the past. The Moonwalker is a pair of battery-operated sneakers designed by Shift Robotics CEO and founder Xunjie Zhang that resemble skates but are powered by artificial intelligence and an algorithm that, according to the company, enables users to walk normally without the use of any hand controls. Now walking at a fast pace is possible.

"Skates are not moonwalkers. They're footwear. In a release posted on the business' website last week, Xunjie Zhang claimed that the shoes were truly the fastest in the world. In these, you don't skate. You move forward by walking. The founder added that you don't need to learn how to use them because the shoes pick up your habits.

What is known about the Moonwalkers and how they work to assist wearers to reach the maximum speed of 11 km/h is detailed below.

Walking the Walk

The Moonwalkers are very simple to use; users only need to strap them to their feet to experience a noticeable speed boost, according to the company's website.

Eight polyurethane wheels are propelled by a 300-watt electric motor that is built into each pair of shoes, which resemble rollerblades.

To increase and reduce the extra speed when the user walks faster or slower, algorithms automatically alter the power of the motors to fit the user's gait, synchronized between each foot. The Moonwalkers feel cozier and more natural to walk in since the hinged toe section bends similarly to a shoe.

The shoes only move when you move, and they have two modes: lock and shift. So, as the AI switches modes using an algorithm to adjust to your walking style and environment, you may confidently use the stairs and elevators, board public transportation, and wait at the crosswalk.

Depending on variables like walking speed and terrain, a battery charge lasting one and a half hours should provide a range of about 6 miles (9.7 km), the manufacturer claims. The business further states that the Moonwalker is secure to use and suitable on any surface.

The shoes, which weigh 4.2 lbs or 1.9 kg each, went on sale on Monday on Kickstarter. They are anticipated to be available for purchase for $1,400 when they do so in March 2023. (Rs 1.15 lakh). A USB-C cable is used for charging, and a full charge takes about 90 minutes. The company also asserts that biomechanics testing did reveal no effects of prolonged usage of Moonwalkers on joints or muscles.

Like all great innovations, the inspiration for these shoes came from creator Xunjie Zhang through a near-death experience.

Zhang claims that when traveling to work in Pittsburgh, he nearly was hit by a car, which is what gave him the idea to put everything found in an electric vehicle into a shoe so that you can easily walk at a running pace.

The Moonwalkers could be useful for dog walkers and make hauling loads faster in addition to speeding up errands, according to Shift. Of course, this will depend on your dog's excitement.

Other Fast Shoes

An earlier dispute involving the VaporFly sneaker, which helped long-distance runners break records, involved sportswear giant Nike.

Despite allegations that the footwear resembled "technology doping," the World Athletics finally approved the shoe in 2020, which can reduce elite competitors' marathon times by one to two minutes.

The 2016-released Vaporflys function by combining a new, hard but lightweight foam known as Pebax with a curved carbon plate to provide a "spring" effect that ensures much less energy is lost with each step. The shoe has been compared to "running on trampolines" by American runner Jake Riley.

When the Moonwalkers are available, we won't be able to use the justification of "running" late, that much is certain.