Nike Introduces Project Amplify: A Powered Revolution in Everyday Movement
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Key Facts
- Project Amplify is Nike’s first powered footwear system, designed for running and walking.
- Combines motorized support, smart motion sensors, and a carbon-fiber shoe platform.
- Created with robotics firm Dephy, targeting recreational runners and walkers seeking endurance and comfort.
Nike is rewriting what performance footwear can do with Project Amplify, a prototype shoe that adds powered assistance to each step. The concept blends robotics and athletic design to help wearers move faster and longer with less strain — marking a new frontier in Nike’s approach to human movement.
The system integrates a compact motor and motion-responsive algorithms that sync with the wearer’s stride, providing a natural boost through the lower leg and ankle. A lightweight cuff battery and modular design allow users to wear the shoe with or without powered assistance, making it versatile for both daily commutes and training sessions.
According to Michael Donaghu, Nike’s VP of Emerging Sport and Innovation, Project Amplify is about “helping people discover more energy in every stride.” Early testers report smoother uphill movement and improved endurance, describing the experience as an effortless extension of their body.
After years of development and millions of test steps logged, Nike says Project Amplify will continue to evolve before its global release. The initiative signals Nike’s ongoing mission to combine engineering and creativity in ways that redefine what the future of sport feels like.
