Nike Unveils Project Amplify: Powered Footwear for All Athletes

Nike has launched Project Amplify, a groundbreaking initiative that introduces the world’s first powered footwear system aimed at making running and walking accessible to a broader audience. This innovative technology seeks to revolutionize movement in a manner akin to how electric bicycles transformed urban mobility. Targeted primarily at everyday athletes, Project Amplify is designed to enhance the experience of those who may have previously found sustained movement daunting or physically challenging.

The powered footwear system is explicitly designed for recreational runners who typically maintain a pace of 10 to 12 minutes per mile. Unlike traditional elite performance gear that focuses on competitive advantages, Project Amplify is about inclusivity and enjoyment. It offers a new sense of freedom for individuals such as parents jogging with strollers or new runners tackling their first challenging routes. This initiative aligns with Nike’s founding philosophy that “if you have a body, you are an athlete,” reflecting a modern interpretation that embraces assistive technology.

Innovative Design and Functionality

Project Amplify consists of four key components: a lightweight motor, a drive belt, a rechargeable battery cuff, and a carbon fiber-plated running shoe. This combination creates a wearable exoskeleton that enhances natural lower leg and ankle movement patterns. Developed with motion algorithms from Nike’s Sport Research Lab, the system aims to augment movement rather than replace it.

Athletes who participated in testing described the sensation of using this footwear as akin to having “a second set of calf muscles” or feeling as if the device is “part of their body.” The design allows for uphill terrain to feel like flat ground and transforms a typical 12-minute mile into a 10-minute mile with less perceived effort. Importantly, the carbon fiber shoe retains its performance capabilities even when not connected to the motor system, alleviating concerns about over-reliance on powered assistance.

Testing involved over 400 athletes who collectively completed 2.4 million steps, equating to approximately 12,000 laps around a standard 200-meter track. This extensive evaluation led to nine iterations of the hardware, resulting in a seamless integration that participants found beneficial. According to Michael Donaghu, Vice President of Create The Future, Emerging Sport and Innovation at Nike, the technology is intended to “add movement to your life,” facilitating exploration of new routes and encouraging sustainable exercise habits.

Commitment to Inclusivity

What sets Project Amplify apart is its user-centered design philosophy. Rather than catering solely to competitive athletes, Nike has focused on recreational users who wish to enhance their walking commutes or run longer distances without fatigue. This inclusive approach is especially relevant in an era where assistive technology can democratize access to physical activities that were once limited by individual capability or fitness level.

The official imagery of Project Amplify highlights the seamless incorporation of the drive belt and the sculpted battery cuff, showcasing ergonomic and aesthetic details that establish a new benchmark for wearable robotics. This commitment to real-world usability reflects Nike’s dedication to making movement less intimidating and more enjoyable for everyone.

In conjunction with this launch, Nike is also introducing three other innovations in October 2023, including the Therma-FIT Air Milano Jacket featuring Air apparel technology, advanced cooling systems in Aero-FIT performance gear, and neuroscience-based footwear designed to enhance calm and focus. While Project Amplify is still undergoing performance readiness testing in collaboration with robotics company Dephy, Nike plans to make the powered footwear system widely available in the coming years.

With Project Amplify, Nike is laying the foundation for a new era of accessible and technology-driven movement, paving the way for countless individuals to experience the joys of running and walking. Further updates on this initiative are anticipated as development progresses.