Orlando Convention Center pilots moonwalkers by shift robotics

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Today, Shift Robotics made an exciting announcement regarding the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) located in Orlando, Florida. The OCCC is set to pilot the use of Moonwalkers robotic shoes throughout its facilities while also becoming a customer. This decision marks a significant milestone as the OCCC becomes the first public entity to officially recognize Moonwalkers, equipped with AI technology, as OPDMDs (Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices). This partnership solidifies the OCCC’s reputation as a global leader in innovation, extending its influence beyond the convention, meetings, hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors into various industries.

Moonwalkers, introduced in May 2023, are AI-informed robotic shoes that enable individuals to walk at speeds equivalent to running, up to three times faster, with a top speed of 7 miles per hour.

Mark Tester, Executive Director of the OCCC, expressed their enthusiasm for the innovative technology of Moonwalkers, stating, “We are incredibly impressed with the innovative technology and countless uses of Shift Robotics’ Moonwalkers. We are eager to be the first convention center to pilot this impressive technology and see how its numerous uses can benefit our event staff and the efficiency of our shows.”

Tester emphasized the OCCC’s commitment to enhancing its mission and serving its clients’ evolving needs. The pilot program with Moonwalkers aims to offer a more efficient and less strenuous method of travel for staff members covering long distances within the expansive OCCC campus.

The OCCC has categorized Moonwalkers as OPDMDs, a term established within the Americans with Disabilities Act, encompassing powered devices like electric wheelchairs, scooters, Segways, and more, which aid individuals with mobility challenges. Notably, Moonwalkers stand out with their top speed of 7 mph.

Moonwalkers incorporate AI software to measure a user’s stride, allowing each shoe to adapt to the individual’s Gait Cycle, thereby enhancing safety, comfort, and performance during walking. In recognition of their innovation, Moonwalkers were named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023.

Xunjie Zhang, the CEO and creator of Moonwalkers and founder of Shift Robotics, conveyed appreciation for the OCCC’s backing, stating, “We are thankful to Mark and his dedicated team for embracing the potential of Moonwalkers to elevate the business landscape to new heights.”

Additionally, Shift Robotics has unveiled its latest model of robotic shoes, Moonwalkers X, which are lighter, faster, and smarter than the original version. These Moonwalkers X are expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2024. In alignment with its commitment to innovation, Shift Robotics has promised the OCCC the privilege of being the first public entity to receive Moonwalkers X when they become available.

To showcase Moonwalkers’ capabilities and engage with innovative minds, Shift Robotics invites innovation executives and organizations interested in enhancing productivity to schedule a Test-Walk with Moonwalkers at CES 2024, held at the Shift Robotics booth (#CP-20) in the Central Plaza, located just east of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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