Unexpected Experience with High-Tech Footwear at CES

Dephy's Innovative Walking Assistance for Enhanced Activity Levels

I've always considered walking as a given, rarely thinking twice about it. Other than dealing with a knee injury over ten years ago, my ability to undertake long walks has been largely a matter of personal choice. This isn't the case for everyone. Recognizing this, Dephy, a robotics firm, has developed the Sidekick, a pair of robotic shoes to support individuals who wish to walk beyond what their bodies can naturally achieve.

These robotic shoes include two main components: an exoskeleton worn on the ankle and specialized sneakers that connect to it. Attaching to the shoe from behind, the exoskeleton is fastened with a strap around the calf. This battery-operated device is equipped with sensors tailored to perceive and respond to the user's walking style, providing an added 'boost' with each stride.

The setup comes with a steep price of $4,500, yet Dephy is targeting individuals with 'personal range anxiety' who might pay for the assurance the Sidekick offers. "It's like having an extra calf muscle," Dephy CEO Luke Mooney explained.

Testing the Sidekick on the CES show floor was indeed an intriguing experience. Walking with the device activated felt like receiving a gentle upward push from beneath my heel with each step. It didn’t disrupt my balance, but it certainly felt unusual.

The Sidekick can be adjusted for different levels of support based on user needs. At its maximum setting, it was somewhat overbearing, but at lower levels, the extra 'bounce' was comfortable, albeit still noticeable. Once Mooney switched the device off, my feet suddenly felt unusually heavy compared to just moments before.

Mooney pointed out that individuals like me are not the primary audience Dephy is targeting. "Often, those who are fit or athletes have trouble adapting to the technology, as they are already finely attuned to their physical movements," he remarked. "Conversely, those who are less active may find their bodies more open to assistance."

Nevertheless, Dephy's technology will feature in products aimed more at athletic enhancement. In collaboration with Nike, they are working on a robotic shoe project dubbed Project Amplify. While Mooney did not elaborate on this partnership, Nike claims that early users have shaved two minutes off their mile times.

Earlier in the day, I had my first encounter with the Sidekick. Hours later, after roaming the Las Vegas Convention Center repeatedly, I reflected on those robotic shoes. Approaching the 10,000-step mark without rest, my feet were aching. That unusual buoyant lift seemed like a pleasant thought.