Nike is about to launch robot-assisted shoes to help you run faster and further

Nike has just announced Project Amplify, a mechanically assisted shoe system designed to help everyday runners and walkers move faster, further with less effort.

The company aims to commercialize the product by 2028. The system is described as a “second pair of leg muscles” that enhance the natural movement of the lower leg and ankle, providing unparalleled propulsion for the user.

The Project Amplify system consists of several components. An elastic battery ring is worn around the user’s calf. Attached to this battery pack is a mechanical arm that runs vertically down the leg, with the thickest part containing the motor located on the outside of the ankle. This motor drives a hinged unit attached directly to the heel of the shoe.

At the end of each step, the motor pulls up the heel of the shoe. The device is calibrated to match the natural motion of each person’s ankle and leg. The result is a power-assisted step, adding a little bounce and push from the robotic mechanism.

The shoe itself is a hybrid running and walking shoe with a carbon midsole. Nike says the shoe can be removed from the power unit and worn as a regular shoe, which is also useful when the battery needs to be recharged.

Nike emphasizes that the device is not intended for competitive athletes or long-distance runners looking to shave seconds off their time.

Instead, Project Amplify is aimed at a target market of casual or amateur runners, with an average pace of 10 to 12 minutes per mile (about 1.6 km).

The device is being compared to an electric bike, making commuting easier and more frequent. The goal is to provide the support needed to help these people improve their overall fitness or help them sustain longer distances on runs.

The device is also designed for daily walkers and those who have to stand for long periods of time, essentially giving anyone the ability to move longer and more comfortably.

Project Amplify was developed by Nike in collaboration with Massachusetts-based robotics company Dephy and tested at the Nike Innovation Lab (NSRL) in Beaverton, Oregon.

To date, more than 400 athletes have tested more than nine different versions of the hardware, clocking more than 2.4 million steps. Early feedback suggests the system feels like an extension of the body, making walking or running uphill feel like moving on flat ground.

For some, wearing Project Amplify has helped them improve their pace from 12 minutes per mile to 10 minutes per mile. Alongside Project Amplify, Nike is also introducing a number of new technologies that will soon be available.