👟 Nike Unveils Powered Sneakers With a Built-In Motor

Nike has introduced Project Amplify: a robotic footwear system designed to enhance natural leg movement while running or walking. The setup includes a compact motor, a drive belt, and a rechargeable battery mounted around the lower leg. The shoes can also be worn without the device attached.

During each step, the motor activates a hinge at the heel, helping the foot move faster and more smoothly. The system is calibrated to feel as natural as possible. Project Amplify is aimed at everyday users who want to walk or run longer distances with less effort.

A GQ journalist who tested the sneakers compared the experience to riding an e-bike: "A full sprint feels like a relaxed jog." He noted that the shoes genuinely "turbo-boost" each step—increasing speed by roughly 20%.

🦵 Nike says the Project Amplify marks the beginning of the "robot-sneaker" era. The project is being developed at the Nike Sport Research Lab in collaboration with robotics company Dephy. The device remains in the early prototype stage, with a commercial launch expected in the coming years.

@hiaimediaen