By Charles Carter, 21/09/22
Innovators at Nike have developed a robotic sneaker repair service that scans, cleans and patches up old sneakers to help reduce waste.
B.I.L.L. (Bot Initiated Longevity Lab) is currently being piloted free of charge to shoppers in Nike Town London. It is one aspect of Nike’s initiative to embrace the circular economy.
How does it work?
The process starts by scanning the worn sneaker to create a three-dimensional digital model of the shoe. Algorithms use the model to pinpoint areas of cleaning on the upper section, sidewalls, and the outsole of the shoe.
The system also identifies places on the upper part of the shoe that need patching. Shoppers then select the particular style of recycled polyester patch they want use and the robots get to work, cleaning and attaching the patch to the sneaker.
The automated service takes about 45 minutes, after which Nike store staff add new liners and laces made from recycled materials.
B.I.L.L. can currently prolong the life of four models: Air Force 1s, Air Jordan 1s, Space Hippie 01s, and Dunks and is available throughout September and is free of charge.
Tangent box (upper -> New York): Upper Manhattan is a neighborhood of New York where you’ll find some of the city’s 541 public basketball courts and players wearing Nike sneakers.
What are the potential benefits?
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 13 million tons of clothing and footwear were thrown away in the US in 2018.
Of this, 11 million tons or 87 per cent were sent to landfill or burned, with just 13 per cent recycled.
Most of the time when footwear is thrown away, the majority of the material is in good condition, with small areas of damage, if at all.
By repairing those areas, the shoes can be used for longer with less material wasted, saving energy and resources, as well as reducing plastic pollution.
Questions for you. Comment below
- First thought that comes into your head?
- Pros and cons according to you?
- Other applications of this approach?
- What could this be combined with?
Links
https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/bill-bot-initiated-longevity-lab