Innovative AI shoes enable users to walk at unprecedented speeds

In a breakthrough development, a revolutionary pair of AI-powered shoes has captured widespread attention online, offering wearers the ability to become the “world’s fastest shoe” by allowing them to walk at the speed of a run. Dubbed the “Moonwalkers,” these shoes can boost walking speeds by up to 250 percent, enabling users to walk up to 2.5 times faster, reaching an impressive 11 km/h (seven miles per hour).

Created by American start-up Shift Robotics, the motorized shoes incorporate an advanced algorithm that quickly adapts to the user’s walking behavior within 10 steps. Unlike rollerblades, the design ensures balance by using magnetic buckles instead of freewheeling wheels. Charging is convenient, as the shoes can be powered up anywhere and anytime using any USB-C PD charger, achieving a full charge in just 1.5 hours for a range of over 6 miles.

Videos showcasing the remarkable capabilities of the Moonwalkers quickly gained viral popularity on TikTok, amassing millions of views. The founder and CEO of Shift Robotics, Xunjie Zhang, conceived the idea for the Moonwalkers after a near-accident while commuting on a scooter. Inspired by airport moving walkways, Zhang explained that the shoes’ conveyer belt-like mechanism adjusts its speed to match the wearer’s walking pace, offering a seamless experience.

Following an extensive five-year development process led by a team of race car engineers, roboticists, and footwear designers, the Moonwalkers have undergone successful testing with individuals spanning a wide age range, from 15 to over 60 years old. CEO Zhang reported that users demonstrated remarkable proficiency in walking with the shoes within a mere 10 to 15 minutes of wearing them.

The Moonwalkers have generated significant buzz, amassing a remarkable $329,409 in funding since their Kickstarter debut in October last year. The campaign emphasizes the importance of walking as a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, striving to enhance the walking experience rather than replace it.