Think of a pair of shoes that lets you glide through your day at twice your normal walking speed! Shift Robotics claims to have created the world’s fastest shoes with their Moonwalker design making you feel like you’re moving on an invisible moving walkway wherever you go.
Introduction to Moonwalker Shoes
The Moonwalkers are designed to enhance pedestrian mobility by utilizing an advanced AI-powered drivetrain. When strapped over regular shoes, they enable users to walk at speeds of up to 11 km/h, which is approximately 250% faster than the average walking pace.
This technology is particularly beneficial in urban settings, where quick navigation is essential, much like how moving walkways facilitate faster movement across large airport terminals.
Key Features
Electric Drive System: The shoe incorporates an electric drive mechanism that allows for powered movement, which can assist users in walking or running with less effort.
Design and Functionality: The design includes features that enable the shoe to integrate seamlessly with the user’s gait, providing a natural walking experience while reducing fatigue.
Applications: This technology is aimed at improving personal mobility, particularly for individuals who may have difficulty walking long distances or for those seeking a more efficient mode of transportation in urban environments.
Patent Innovation behind Moonwalker Shoes
The patent US10933299B2, titled “Electric power-driven shoe,” was granted to Shift Robotics, Inc. on March 2, 2021. This patent describes a bionic electric power-driven shoe designed to enhance urban mobility by allowing users to maintain a normal walking posture while utilizing electric-powered assistance.
The shoe features multiple rotating wheels beneath the sole, driven by an electric motor connected to a transmission system. The shoe is designed with separate heel and forefoot parts that rotate relative to each other, enabling a natural walking motion.