Nike develops a robot that can make fashionable sneakers look brand new in just 45 minutes

Nike has launched a new robot called the Robotic Analog Durable Lab (BILL) at Niketown in London, England, to clean and repair shoes.

Beijing time, September 16th morning news, it is reported that whether it is your most comfortable sports shoes or the most fashionable sneakers, we all have a pair of shoes in our wardrobe that will cause a nervous breakdown if we lose them... Currently, a robot innovation technology from Nike can extend the life of people’s favorite shoes!

The fashion giant launched a new robot called "BILL Robotic Simulation Durable Lab" at Niketown in London, England, to clean and repair shoes. Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, head of sustainability at Nike NXT, said: "Although the technology is very advanced, maintaining old products is a very personal thing. Due to personal preferences, they will spare no effort to maintain their favorite shoes. Repairing products is a way for products to extend user memory, and we think BILL robots can do this."

BILL is a robotic enhancement system that uses water-based cleaning products and recycled polyester patches to give old shoes new life.

BILL is a robotic enhancement system that uses water-based cleaning products and recycled polyester patches to give old shoes new life. It can currently extend the life of four Nike shoe models: Air Force 1s, Air Jordan 1s, Space Hippie 01s and Nike Dunks.

Currently, the robot can extend the life of four Nike shoe models: Air Force 1s, Air Jordan 1s, Space Hippie 01s and Nike Dunks.

Consumers can see the robot at Niketown London, where shoes are placed into the machine, but only one shoe can be put in at a time. When performing maintenance, the robot first creates a 3D digital model of the shoe, which helps to identify the subtle areas on the upper, sides and sole that need cleaning.

The robot then starts working, using water-based cleaning products and car-wash-style rotating brushes for a deep clean. Nike issued a press release saying that advanced digital readouts help the robot care for the fine parts of the shoes more accurately. When the shoes are cleaned beautifully, customers can choose patches to repair the worn parts of the upper to make the shoes look like new. Finally, linings and laces made of recycled materials are added to the shoes.

“Robots can do things that are difficult for humans to do manually, but when we use robots as part of recycling technology, we still want to be able to provide a personalized service,” Reinez said.

The robot technology will be available at Niketown in London in September, after which Nike will decide whether to promote it in more stores around the world. Nike said that the BILL robot has a specific goal of experimenting - to achieve a circular and environmentally friendly future, where future products are manufactured to be reused and made, and given the performance of new products.

It is reported that this is not the first time Nike has launched a futuristic technology product. In 2019, the company launched a "Marty McFly" style automatic lacing sneaker. The Nike Adapt BB shoes are designed for basketball players. Just press a button on the shoes or smartphone to automatically tighten or loosen the shoelaces. The shoes were initially only sold in the US market, priced at $350, and were sold out immediately after they were launched.