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Moonwalkers Dusk: Strap-on motorized wheels for double-speed walking
Shift Robotics just launched Moonwalkers Dusk, a new version of their strap-on motorized wheels. The company claims these devices let you walk at twice your normal speed. They're positioning it as a micro-mobility solution for urban commutes.
Shift Robotics just launched Moonwalkers Dusk, a new version of their strap-on motorized wheels. The company claims these devices let you walk at twice your normal speed. They're positioning it as a micro-mobility solution for urban commutes.
The architecture take
So, strap-on motorized wheels that let you walk faster. My immediate thought is less about speed and more about gait mechanics. These things are designed to make you walk, not skate, which means your muscles are still activating, just covering more ground. It’s like an assisted stride – you’re still putting in effort, but the output is amplified. I wonder what that does to tendon loading over time, or even simply the subtle nervous system cues that dictate balance and proprioception. Humans aren’t built for 7 mph walking unless they're Olympic race walkers. The promise is faster commutes, but the real question is how it impacts the cumulative load on joints and muscles, and if that extra speed is worth potentially messing with your natural movement patterns. I see this as a novelty, not a viable daily habit for your body.