Austin-based Shift Robotics has taken the wraps off the Moonwalkers X, the latest evolution of its robotic shoes, just ahead of the much-anticipated CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
This unveiling marks a significant stride in redefining workplace mobility, offering key advancements over its predecessor to meet the demands of diverse commercial applications.
The Moonwalkers X, designed with a focus on extensive walking scenarios prevalent in distribution, logistics, and warehouse environments, boasts several notable improvements.
Set to make a prominent appearance at CES, these high-tech robotic shoes bring about a reduction in weight, heightened maneuverability, enhanced safety features, and adaptability to smaller shoe sizes, according to VentureBeat.
Lighter and More Efficient
Compared to the original Moonwalkers model, the Moonwalkers X introduces a noteworthy weight reduction, shedding nearly one pound per shoe. This reduction not only contributes to a lighter user experience but also amplifies agility in various work settings.
The control system has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, incorporating advanced traction control, more responsive acceleration and braking, and refined gait detection. These enhancements work in tandem to eliminate abrupt stops, ensuring a secure and smooth movement for the wearer.
A key highlight of the Moonwalkers X is its advanced shock absorption capabilities, specifically designed to minimize repetitive injury risks. With a redesigned framework that emphasizes modularity and customization, users gain flexibility in tailoring the robotic shoes to suit their specific needs.
Shift Robotics CEO Xunjie Zhang, the driving force behind Shift Robotics, expressed the company's commitment to reshaping lightweight mobility. Per VentureBeat, Zhang stated, "With Moonwalkers X, we've redefined lightweight mobility by trimming nearly a pound from the original design.
Our revamped drivetrain, magnesium alloy-based frame, and shock-absorbing wheels converge to offer the smoothest, most efficient warehouse navigation ever."
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Shift Robotics' control system, ShiftOS 2.0, underpins the Moonwalkers X, incorporating insights gathered from thousands of existing Moonwalkers users and logistics partners.
This system introduces numerous safety enhancements, ensuring a secure and seamless experience for users. Shift Robotics anticipates that the refined features will result in substantial productivity gains for businesses implementing Moonwalkers X.
How Much Will It Cost?
An innovative addition to the Moonwalkers X is its adaptability to smaller shoe sizes, catering to a broader user base and expanding its applicability across diverse industries. The commercial release of Moonwalkers X is slated for the first half of 2024, and the pricing details will be unveiled concurrently with its market availability.
According to TechCrunch, the price tag of $1,400 for the original Moonwalkers were costly. Of course, R&D drives first-generation hardware pricing, but as production scales, pricing per unit drops; therefore, a modest run seems likely.
To facilitate early adoption, Shift Robotics is offering a CES 2024 Show Special, providing priority access to a limited quantity of Moonwalkers X for forward-thinking companies seeking cutting-edge solutions for workplace mobility.
As CES 2024 approaches, Shift Robotics invites innovation executives and organizations keen on enhancing productivity to schedule appointments for a Test-Walk in Moonwalkers at their booth (#CP-20) in the Central Plaza, located just east of the Las Vegas Convention Center, per StreetInsider.
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