A Pittsburgh-based robotics startup says its battery-powered Moonwalkers are the “worlds fastest shoes,” allowing the user to walk at the speed of a run.
The motorized, AI-powered Moonwalkers from Shift Robotics are designed to fit over the users shoes, and boost walking speed from a little under 3 mph on average up to 7 mph, according to the company.
Shift Robotics founder Xunjie Zhang said he got the idea for the Moonwalkers after he was nearly hit by a car while riding a scooter.
“Thats when I start asking myself why I never walked,” Zhang said, so he decided to “bring walking into the future.”
Each Moonwalker has a stable, eight-wheel drive train with a hinge that allows for a natural bend at the toes.
Artificial intelligence adapts the Moonwalkers speed to the users stride, and they can go from top speed to a complete stop in less than 3 feet, the company says. Users can easily shift to Lock mode to stand still, climb stairs, or board a train.
The company says the Moonwalkers can go 6.5 miles on a single charge.
The skate-like slip-on devices have gained attention on TikTok, where users can be seen gliding with each stride they take, in a variety of environments and outfits.
