Nike Partners with Robotics Company to Create World’s First Motor-Driven Footwear System
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Nike has taken a bold step into the future with Project Amplify, the world’s first motorized footwear system created for people who love to move. Created with robotics partner Dephy, the design combines a carbon-clad running shoe with a motorized shaft and drive belt that add a gentle push to every stride.
Unlike performance technology created for professionals, Project Amplify is designed for those who move every day, such as runners, walkers, and travelers. It helps anyone who wants to go a little faster and a little further with less effort. Think of it as the running world’s version of an electric bike. It makes movement easier, fluid and fun for everyone.
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How Project Amplify works
At the heart of Project Amplify is a small but powerful engine. It connects to a rechargeable cuff that wraps comfortably around the calf. The cufflinks are attached to a carbon plate inside the shoe. Together, they provide natural assistance at every step.
Nike’s Project Amplify combines sleek design with advanced robotics to help make every step feel lighter and smoother. (Nike)
Testing in the Nike Sport Research Lab has been exhaustive. More than 400 athletes have taken more than 2.4 million steps during testing. According to testers, the system makes running uphill look like flat terrain. Some even said it helped them go from a 12-minute mile to a 10-minute mile with less effort.
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Because of this, Nike says Project Amplify is not about competition. The company’s goal is to make movement easier and more accessible to a wider range of people. Whether someone is new to running or wants to include more walking in their daily life, the technology is designed to offer gentle support without taking on the effort.
Innovation made accessible
Nike’s vice president of innovation and emerging sports, Michael Donaghu, described the idea behind Project Amplify as follows: “What if we could help athletes move faster and further with less energy and a lot more fun?”
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That question inspired years of research and collaboration between Nike and Dephy. Together, they combined robotics, biomechanics, and motion algorithms to create a motorized shoe that feels natural to wear.
Just as e-bikes transformed cycling, Project Amplify could do the same for running and walking. Its goal is to help people stay active more often and enjoy movement in new ways. Through this approach, Nike shows how innovation can make fitness more accessible to everyone.
Early testing shows that the power cuff and drive system give runners consistent support with every stride. (Nike)
What does this mean to you?
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Imagine finishing a race with energy to spare. Imagine walking another mile without feeling tired. Project Amplify makes it possible. Its gentle mechanical assistance feels like an extra set of calf muscles supporting your natural gait.
For casual runners, this means more miles with less effort. For commuters, it could make daily trips faster and more efficient. Overall, it gives you the power to enjoy movement again. The goal is not to do less. The goal is to get more out of each step.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
With Project Amplify, Nike combines art, science and sport to change the feeling of movement. This new technology aims to enhance natural movement rather than replace it. As testing continues, one thing is clear: Project Amplify could completely change the way we think about running, walking, and human performance.
As Nike refines Project Amplify, the focus remains on making movement easier, more natural and more enjoyable for everyone. (iStock)
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If electric shoes could make running and walking easier, would you try them or stick with pure muscle power? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning technology journalist with a deep love for technology, gear and devices that improve lives with his contributions to News and News Business since mornings on “News & Friends.” Do you have any technical questions? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment on CyberGuy.com.