Nike’s First ‘Powered Footwear’ Is an E-Bike for Your Feet
▼ Summary
– Nike announced Project Amplify, the world’s first powered footwear system designed not for professional athletes but to assist everyday movement.
– The system uses a lightweight robotics system to boost running and walking speed, similar to how e-bikes provide pedal assistance.
– Project Amplify is intended for athletes who want to go faster and farther with less effort, effectively acting as a second set of calf muscles.
– The product resembles an ankle brace with a motor, drive belt, and rechargeable battery, targeting those walking at a 10 to 12-minute mile pace.
– Nike plans to bring Project Amplify to consumers in the coming years, alongside other innovations like neuroscience-based footwear and cooling tech.
Nike has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in athletic wear with the introduction of Project Amplify, described as the world’s first powered footwear system. This new technology functions much like an e-bike, providing mechanical assistance to enhance walking and running speed through a lightweight robotic framework. Designed not for elite competitors but for everyday users, the system aims to make movement more efficient and accessible.
Developed in collaboration with robotics specialist Dephy, the initial version focuses on supporting individuals who wish to cover greater distances with reduced exertion. Nike likens the effect to having an extra set of calf muscles, offering a boost that helps people move faster and farther without the strain associated with conventional exercise. The primary audience includes walkers maintaining a pace of roughly 10 to 12 minutes per mile, essentially, anyone looking to augment their natural mobility.
Visually, Project Amplify takes the form of a streamlined ankle brace that houses a compact motor, a drive belt, and a rechargeable battery. Despite its mechanical components, the design remains sleek and unobtrusive, intended for comfortable daily use. Nike has invested several years in refining the product, conducting extensive trials with more than 400 test participants. While the system is still undergoing evaluation, the company has indicated a consumer release is anticipated within the next few years.
This announcement was part of a broader showcase of advanced initiatives from Nike, which also featured neuroscience-informed footwear and innovative cooling fabric technology for sportswear. Each project underscores Nike’s ongoing commitment to merging cutting-edge science with practical athletic solutions, pushing the boundaries of what wearable technology can achieve.
(Source: The Verge)
