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Reebok’s Liquid Lab Aims to Eliminate Molds From the Footwear Manufacturing Process
Earlier this week, we received a massive box at the office with the words ‘Reebok Future’ printed on top. Here’s a full run-down of what happened next because it was too interesting to keep to ourselves:
The Tricked-Out Box
As we opened the box to reveal its contents, we noticed a small screen embedded in the top of the box. After a few moments, the words 'Reebok Future’ flashed across the screen and video of robots drawing with a strange red liquid began to play. There was a control panel below the video allowing volume and play/pause control. A charger sat at the bottom of the box just in case the contraption were to run out of juice.
Reebok’s Liquid Lab
Let’s get to the main point—the sneakers that were stashed inside the box. The Liquid Speeds are the first result of Reebok’s Liquid Lab—an open innovation lab set to open sometime next year in Rhode Island. The Liquid Lab will focus on new, experimental footwear manufacturing techniques, including the 3D drawing that can be seen on the Liquid Speeds. 3D drawing is Reebok’s attempt to take Nike, Under Armour and Adidas’ 3D printed shoes to the next level.
Reebok’s 3D drawing technique utilizes robots to free-hand winged designs with a urethane-based liquid gel—created by BASF—onto a flat surface. After the robots layer the gel to obtain the desired strength and shape, the center of the forms are attached to the shoes’ sole and the wings are wrapped around the sneaker to be laced. The process can be seen in Reebok’s promo video:
3D drawing was inspired by the automotive industry—specifically the red gaskets found on truck door vents. According to Reebok Future head, Bill McInnis, the vents’ gaskets used to be made my mold but have now been handed over to robots that apply them directly to the vents. This process reflected Reebok’s ultimate goal of eliminating expensive molds from the footwear design process—they were able to program robots to draw the entire outsole of the Liquid Speeds without molds.
Testing the Liquid Speeds
Man, these are comfortable—props to Reebok’s robots! The flexible 3D printed liquid complements the lacing process—the material stretches as you lace, allowing a snug fit. Walking around felt a little weird at first, though. You can feel every ridge in the sole as you move due to the curved nature of the liquid shapes, and the layered gel is surprisingly heavy. This isn’t necessarily negative—just somewhat of an adjustment.
I’ll sum my concerns up into three questions to keep things brief: How will the 3D printed gel’s traction react to extreme weather, i.e. snow/ice? How will the heavy weight of the gel affect wearability for professional athletes? Will the gel’s relatively thin joints hold up over time?
These concerns aren’t minor by any means, but with the opening of the full Liquid Factory next year, Reebok should have plenty of space and time to work out any 3D drawing quirks. The Liquid Speeds are just the beginning step in Reebok’s mission to change footwear manufacturing, and we’re excited to see what’s next.
What do you think about Reebok Future’s UX, Liquid Lab and Liquid Speed sneakers?
http://www.core77.com/posts/57551/Reeboks-Liquid-Lab-Aims-to-Eliminate-Molds-From-the-Footwear-Manufacturing-Process