Nike developing "second set of calf muscles" with motor-assisted running device
Nike has released early concept designs of its battery-powered Project Amplify anklet that adheres to a person's lower leg to give them a motorised "boost" while running or walking.
The Project Amplify "ekoskeleton" is designed by Nike in collaboration with robotics company Dephy so that everyday athletes can walk or run more often, faster and with more ease, according to the brand.
"The first-generation product isn't designed for competitive, faster runners trying to shave seconds off their time; rather, it's intended to serve athletes who want to go faster and farther with less effort by giving them more power for everyday movement – in effect, a second set of calf muscles," said the brand.
The Project Amplify "footwear system" consists of a motorised anklet that extends upwards from the heel of a shoe, curves around the shin and ends in a rechargeable battery pack that wraps around the bottom of a calf.
Its "lightweight, powerful motor" is located within the flat, pill-shaped disk that sits against the upper ankle, while a drive belt is also concealed within the system.
The system lifts the wearer's heel to help them step or walk, and it's designed to match a natural stride.
The brand likened the motorised movement to the boost from an electric bicycle.
It is designed, in particular, for athletes who run between a 10- and 12-minute mile pace.
Nike also said this current iteration is the result of "several years" of testing in outdoor environments and at the Nike Sport Research Lab research complex in Beaverton, Oregon, with more than 400 athletes donning over nine different versions of the ankelet over the past years.
According to the brand, in some cases, it helped 12-minute mile runners shave off two minutes from their time.
While it's unclear if Nike plans to develop a specific shoe with each iteration of Project Amplify, for now, the system attaches to a carbon fibre-plated running shoe that can be worn with or without it.
The brand is still in its testing phase with the project, although it plans to launch a consumer version in the "coming years".
"Project Amplify started with a single question: 'What if we could find a way to help athletes move faster and farther with less energy and a lot more fun?'," said Nike Director of footwear innovation Michael Donaghu.
"At its core, Project Amplify is about seamlessly adding a little more power to your stride."
Last year, Nike unveiled that it is developing an AI model informed by its athlete data, while more recently, the brand collaborated with Lego on a modular playground for a Shanghai primary school.
The photography is courtesy of Nike
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