Shoes that tie themselves inspired by “Back to the Future”
Fifteen years ago we all thought at this date and age we’d be able to travel at lightspeed, every citizen would have flying cars, and the fortunate would have condos in other planets.
Well, it’s now fifteen years later and we are not quite there. Yet. However, slowly advancing at a very gradual place. How so? Meet Marty McFly 2015 Nike Hyperdunks who can tie themselves. Yes, TIE THEMSELVES. You know the thing in which the shoelaces are drawn together tightly so that your feet do not slip out of your shoes? Well back in 2008 Nike had released a pair of special edition of “Back to the Future II” inspired high tops and with all its perfection, it lacked one important factor. It could not tie itself.
Worry not my friends; Blake Bevlin worked hard and relentless to have the very first pair of self tie shoe ready for the movie’s 25th anniversary. The idea as a whole is AWEMOSE, but there are still lots of work to be done since the execution is a bit awkward.
How it works? On the heel of the shoe, a pressure-sensitive plate is connected to the impressively versatile Arduino micro controller. Once you’ve stepped into the shoe, Arduino detects it. Once it is detected it activates a pair of servos that pull the laces tight. And when you want to take off your shoes, a touch-sensitive switch which is mounted don the back of the shoe reverses the servos.
While this is not the complete finished product, Bevlin hope’s that some sneaker shops picks up on the idea and go with the idea.
Power Laces
by Mila Braz
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