Robotics startup wants to disrupt walking with AI roller skates

Walking – what a drag. How are you supposed to keep on the trillionaire crypto mogul grindset when you have to do something as mundane as placing one foot in front of the other to get to your next high-flying presentation?

Well, here comes Shift Robotics to revolutionize the process of movement humanity has relied on for at least three million years.

Looking for all the world like the Fisher Price roller skates of the ’80s and ’90s but for grown-ups, the company claims its « Moonwalkers » allow users to « walk at the speed of a run » but without all the unseemly sweating and hyperventilation.

Think of that groovy sensation you get when gliding along a travelator at an airport, silently mocking passers-by walking at a regular pace who have not yet ascended to godhood. Yes, that, but attached to the soles of your feet.

However, these aren’t just Crocs with wheels. These are Crocs with wheels and AI.

How does that work? The Moonwalkers are said to be fitted with an « AI drivetrain » that uses « machine learning algorithms to adapt to a user’s walking gaits, making them an extension of people’s legs. »

As the company insists, it is therefore still « walking, not skating. » The Moonwalkers don’t freewheel like ordinary skates, allegedly moving only when you do, so you can « go up and down stairs, step into mass transit, and confidently wait at the crosswalk. »

« You can stop in less than 1 meter from top speed, and we automatically regulate your speed downhill, » Shift claims, saying that the Moonwalkers will boost your walking speed by 250 percent.

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