In a bid to revolutionize urban commuting, Moonwalkers aim to change the way people approach short journeys in urban environments.

The company Shift Robotics and Carnegie Mellon University presented an innovative urban micromobility proposal: Moonwalkers. These electronic shoes equipped with wheels promise to revolutionize short trips by tripling the average human walking speed.

With a starting price of 1399USD, these innovative shoes incorporate a 300-watt electric motor that propels the user intuitively, eliminating the need to balance. Thanks to its artificial intelligence technology, the drivetrain adapts to the different ways of walking of each person, providing a natural travel experience.

The advanced version, lighter and with fewer wheels, is specially designed for warehouse and logistics workers, although its price has not yet been revealed and its launch is expected in the middle of the year.

Unlike skates, these motorized shoes have a system of magnetic buckles and harnesses that confirm their unique nature. Despite its similar appearance, its operation is based on wheels activated upon contact with the ground, allowing the user to walk at speeds of up to 11.27 km/h without additional effort.

Despite their innovations, Moonwalkers face technical challenges, such as the inability to make autonomous turns and the need for the user to stop before changing direction. In addition, its high cost and the geographical limitation of sales, currently exclusive to the United States, represent obstacles to its mass adoption.

They are presented as an interesting solution for personal mobility, offering a glimpse into the future of more diversified and personalized urban travel. Its magnetic frame and buckle mechanism ensures secure attachment to the user's footwear, while artificial intelligence adjusts to different ways of walking, providing a fluid and safe experience.