Nike Says Its First ‘powered Footwear’ Is Like An E-bike For Your Feet

On Thursday, Nike announced Project Amplify, “the world’s first powered footwear system,” which it says isn’t intended for pros—in fact, rather nan opposite. Much like e-bikes supply pedal assistance, Project Amplify uses a lightweight robotics strategy to boost moving and stepping speed. 

“The first-generation product, created alongside robotics partner Dephy, isn’t designed for competitive, faster runners trying to shave seconds disconnected their time; rather, it’s intended to service athletes who want to spell faster and farther pinch little effort by giving them much powerfulness for mundane activity — successful effect, a 2nd group of calf muscles,” Nike explained successful a property release. 

Project Amplify resembles an ankle brace, pinch a motor, thrust belt, and rechargeable artillery concealed successful a reasonably svelte design. It’s aimed astatine “athletes” (anyone pinch a body, according to Nike) who are stepping astatine a astir 10 to 12-minute mile pace. The merchandise has been successful improvement pinch complete 400 athletes complete nan past respective years, and remains successful testing, but Nike mentioned plans to bring it to consumers “in nan coming years.” 

The robotic stepping assistance is among a fistful of eager projects Nike unveiled today, including “neuroscience-based footwear” and caller cooling tech for its diversion apparel.