Shift Robotics has invented a new device to assist people in their ability to walk. One day while scootering to work, the company’s founder and CEO, Xunjie Zhang, came up with the idea for Moonwalker Shoes.
Birth of an Idea
After almost being struck by a car, Zhang asked himself why he had never walked to work. It would be a safer and more convenient way. However, walking to and from anywhere can become tedious, exhausting, and can take longer.
Zhang felt there was something that could be done to alleviate those issues. Five years later, Shift Robotics and their Moonwalker E-Shoes were born.
People may have seen the advertisements on social media and think, “Those aren’t real.” However, that is an incorrect thought.
What Are Moonwalker Shoes?
“Our Moonwalker E-Shoes are real! Many people on social media are skeptical because of how abstract the idea is, but every form of transportation is being upgraded. We believe that humans are walking the same way their grandparents did and their grandparents before them, and we look to make a much-needed change to the oldest form of transportation,” said the marketing coordinator for Shift Robotics, Damon Moore.
At first glance, the invention looks as though it may be complicated to use. However, Moore explains how simple they can make people’s lives.
“Simply put, the Moonwalker Shoe has two modes. Locked Mode is the base mode,” he explains. “An electronic brake in the shoe will not allow the wheels to move in this mode. A solid white light on the inside part of the shoe indicates Locked Mode. This electronic brake is one of many differences between the Moonwalker and traditional in-line skates.”
Simple to Use
Although it may look like it, “The wheels are not perpetually moving.”
“Our second mode is Run Mode (also known as Shift Mode),” Moore continues. “The shoes will connect by lifting your heel and turning, and you are ready to walk once you see the white light turn into a bright green light.”
Moonwalker Shoes are simple to use. Just secure the feet into place and “walk normally.” Then, “the AI sensor in our shoe will detect how fast you are walking by how hard you push off with your toes.”
Shoe’s Design
Moore then talked about the design of the shoe itself.
As you may see, there is a hinge where the toe line is. This hinge has all kinds of sensors and monitors to give you an effortless walking experience. The wheels will begin to move, simply elongating your stride according to how fast you are walking. To stop, take shorter strides, and the shoes will come to a natural and easy stop.
The Moonwalker Shoe only comes in one size. Shift Robotics recommended shoe sizes for the device are 9-12 in Men’s and 10.5-13.5 in Women’s. Additionally, the maximum weight limit for the Moonwalker Shoe is 220 pounds. “Anything larger in shoe size or heavier in weight will reduce user experience,” adds Moore.
Recently, Shift Robotics launched its “first batch of shoes to select pre-orders!” The company has developed “The world’s first electrical shoes that enable you to walk at the speeds of a run.”
Anyone interested in further information should visit shiftrobotics.io.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Email Interview: Damon Moore 6/21/2023
Image Courtesy of Damon Moore
