Moonwalkers are the brainchild of Shift Robotics, which claims they’re the world’s fastest shoes. However, they’re not exactly shoes. Instead, they’re a wearable device that straps onto virtually any shoe. And just like you’re now standing on 10 wheels, and every step feels like an effortless glide. 

Moonwalkers create the sensation of walking on a travelator that you find at airports. However, unlike Heelys, Moonwalkers require zero skills to use, can handle virtually any terrain, and are designed for adults.

Shift Robotics’ wearable mobility device first came out in 2022, but the company has unveiled a new design. They’ve cut down the number of wheels from 10 to six. Also, after many customers complained about the clunkiness of the device, Shift Robotics has reduced the weight by one pound. However, the Moonwalkers are still pretty heavy, with each device clocking in at just over three pounds.

The new Moonwalkers have a redesigned control system. The shoes are now easier to ease, better equipped to handle tight spaces, and offer enhanced shock absorption. At the moment, Moonwalkers hasn’t made any changes to the price, and a pair will still set you back a hefty $1,400.

Moonwalkers Are Multipurpose

Shift Robotics has specifically designed Moonwalkers to be useful in the workplace or just when you’re strolling around your neighborhood or going about your daily life. The company sees huge potential for wearable devices in warehouses, manufacturing plants, or any workplace where employees are required to walk long distances. 

Shift Robotics wants to create a personal transit revolution. Even though some other companies have tried to launch their own wearable devices, like Segway-Ninebot’s Drift W1 electric skates or the Hoverwheel, nothing has caught on yet. However, Shift Robotics believes Moonwalkers’ simple-to-use design can take them mainstream. The fact that you can learn to use Moonwalkers within a few hours and that they can strap onto any shoe gives them a massive advantage over other wearable devices.

What Can Moonwalkers Do?

After strapping Moonwalkers to your existing shoes, you can walk up to three times faster. You don’t have to change your typical gait at all. Moonwalkers are powered by AI, and as you move, the in-built software will analyze your gait and the terrain and adjust. 

The result is a smooth walking experience where you gently glide around. The experience is akin to walking on a movable sidewalk, similar to what you find at airports. 

With Moonwalkers, you can reach a top speed of 7 miles per hour, and a single charge will last you up to 6.5 miles. The wearable device automatically adjusts to your speed. If you walk slowly, shoes will provide only a small amount of resistance. However, if you start using more force, then the Moonwalkers will strongly kick in, and you’ll reach the 7 miles per hour top speed.

This wearable device fits over virtually all types of shoes, from sneakers to boosts to even sandals. It can also handle different types of terrain, from sidewalks to stairs, and even go off-road on grass and dirt tracks.

Who Are Shift Robotics?

Shift Robotics is an American technology company founded by Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute grad Xunjie Zhang. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh and the goal of the Shift Robotics is to build a future where navigating cities is more enjoyable and where public space is better utilized.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, Zhang came up with the idea of enhancing walking after looking at other companies attempting to improve personal mobility via inline skates, skateboards, or bikes. All of these iterations have a steep learning curve and are potentially dangerous. Walking, on the other hand, is a low-risk and healthy way of moving.

To get his idea off the ground, Zhang linked up with a team of shoe designers, engineers, and roboticists. The result was Moonwalkers, which allow you to walk up to three times faster than your typical speed.

Wearable devices are in their infancy and haven’t gone mainstream yet. However, there’s massive potential as people look to reduce strain on their bodies while improving performance. Simple devices like Moonwalkers are just the beginning. In the future, we’ll all likely have an Iron Man-like exoskeleton and be capable of superhuman athletic feats while barely activating our muscles.

Also Read: South Korean Skiing Robots

Forget about William Webb Ellis picking up a soccer ball and running with it to create rugby or James Naismith throwing a ball into fruit baskets to create basketball. Now, our computer overlords are using their 3000+ IQ to develop the ultimate sport. 

Speedgate is the very sport imagined by AI. While some people are terrified about the potential of AI to destroy the world, this new sport demonstrates to the world that this groundbreaking technology can be used in a creative fashion to enhance our lives.

How Did AI Come Up With Speedgate?

A text-generating algorithm very similar to ChatGPT decided to study 400 different sports from all around the world. The AI-powered algorithm came up with 1,000 different ideas that then formed the basis for the new sport. The algorithm was heavily focused on creating a sport that was not only enjoyable but also provided players with a great workout and was easy to access and learn.

To come up with the ultimate logo, the algorithm was then shown 10,000 existing sports logos and then came up with its own unique design while taking inspiration from existing ones. 

The end result was a sport dubbed Speedgate. This brand new sport is best designed as a unique blend of soccer, croquet, and rugby and even has elements from quidditch, yes, the sport Harry Potter played!

How Do You Play Speedgate?

The algorithm did a good job at creating an easy-to-play sport that anyone can pick up in a few minutes. There’s nothing worse than some overcomplicated sport where you need a PhD just to understand the rules. In Speedgate, there are two teams with six players on each side. The goal is simple: all you need to do is kick or pass the ball into the gate at either end of the field. 

You must move the ball every three seconds, you can’t just stand still and stall. This rule is to create action and keep the players running throughout the match. To do so, they need to keep the ball moving every three seconds. Also, you can’t cross a circle in the middle of the field. 

As far as scoring goes, you earn two points by kicking the ball through the gates at either end and three points for ricocheting the ball through the gate. The game is played on a pill-shaped field, and a rugby ball is used, which makes it more challenging to score.

What Is the Future of Sports in the AI Generation?

Speedgate represents the very beginning of AI-powered sports. The sport is still played by humans and looks similar to existing sports like rugby and Gaelic football. Speedgate also required some human input to create. However, the future of athletic endeavors is going to look very different over the next 30 to 50 years.

We wouldn’t be surprised in the future if AI starts independently creating sports and then hosts events where all of the athletes are robots. The days of human athletes may eventually be phased out as AI takes over the entire spectacle. In this reality, you could find some truly bizarre sports. But don’t worry, this reality won’t be around for a very long time.

Another possibility is robot and AI sports, which are infused with human athletes. For example, a sport like Speedgate could be played by human athletes wearing exo skeletons, which gives them the ability to leap 20m in the air and run at speeds that make Usain Bolt look like he’s jogging. 

The use of exo skeletons could open up a whole new frontier of human athletic ability. Humans will no longer be limited by their own bodies. It’ll also make sport much more accessible to those who suffer from physical impairments or disabilities. 

The cool thing about Speedgate is it demonstrates that AI and humans can collaborate to create new experiences. Technology and humans don’t need to be separated, in fact, as technology progresses and we become more familiar with its applications, it’ll start infusing itself in all aspects of our life. Before you know it, we may all be AI-powered cyborgs with photogenic memories and world-class athleticism. We can’t wait to be bouncing around town in shiny new exo skeletons.