Shift Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based startup, has created a sensation with its innovative wearable mobility device known as the Moonwalkers, touted as “the world’s fastest shoes.” These shoes, which can be strapped over regular walking shoes, can significantly enhance walking speed, enabling wearers to reach up to seven miles per hour.
Innovative Technology
The Moonwalkers operate on an intuitive control system that responds to the user’s speed. As you walk faster, the shoes propel you at an even greater pace, achieving a remarkable 250% increase in walking speed. The shoes are powered by a battery and take around 90 minutes to charge fully, subsequently boosting stride speed by 2.5 times.
Pre-Order and Availability
Shift Robotics is currently accepting pre-orders for the Moonwalkers on its website, priced at $1,399.99. Interested customers need to place a refundable $50 deposit to secure their pair, with shipping limited to the US. It’s important to note that the shoes are equipped with an eight-wheel, artificial intelligence-powered technology.
Safety and Control
Founder and CEO Xunjie Zhang explained that the shoes feature a braking distance of about two feet on a dry road. When walking downhill, the Moonwalkers have a regenerating braking technology, allowing them to brake while recharging themselves. These features, along with the intuitive speed control system, ensure that the shoes move only when the user does.
Production and Future Plans
Shift Robotics recently shared that they are in the production phase and are relocating their headquarters to Austin, Texas. However, the exact shipping timeline for the Moonwalkers remains unclear, as Shift did not provide a specific response to inquiries about this matter.
The idea for the Moonwalkers emerged after Zhang, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute, nearly had a collision while riding a scooter to work. This incident prompted him to collaborate with engineers, roboticists, and sneaker designers to develop a wearable device that brings the convenience of electric vehicles to footwear.
With the Moonwalkers, Shift Robotics is pushing the boundaries of wearable technology, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of mobility and enhancing the speed and efficiency of daily activities.
