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Our Bureau

New Delhi , May 7

YOU must have heard of `smart' or `intelligent' cards, `intelligent' machines and even `intelligent' buildings. But `intelligent' shoes for running? Not as yet.

Well, Adidas has just introduced one such, the most advanced shoe ever, with a sensor, a microprocessor and even a small computer to boot. The `intelligent' shoe, appropriately called "1" provides intelligent cushioning by automatically and continuously adjusting itself.

The shoe, according to an Adidas statement, does so by sensing the cushioning level with the help of a sensor and a magnet. It then `intelligently' understands, via the small computer, whether the cushioning level is too soft or too firm. And accordingly, it adapts with a motor-driven cable system to provide the correct cushioning throughout the run.

The electronic system in the shoe works like a human reflex nerve. The nerve is a magnetic sensing system, where the sensor is placed just below the runner's heel and the magnet is located at the bottom of the midsole. On each impact, the sensor measures the distance from the top to the bottom of the midsole, accurately to 0.1 millimetre, thereby gauging the compression and the amount of cushioning being used. In all, just about 1,000 readings per second are taken and relayed to the shoe's brain, the microprocessor.

Underneath the arch is the shoe's brain, the microprocessor capable of making five million calculations per second. Software written specifically for the shoe compares the compression messages received from the sensor to a preset zone and understands if the shoe is too soft or too firm.

Once it has determined if the cushioning level is appropriate, it sends a command to the shoe's muscle to make a change. A motor-driven cable system is the shoe's muscle. The motor, housed in the midfoot, receives the brain's instructions and adapts by turning a screw, which lengthens or shortens a cable. This cable is secured to the walls of a plastic cushioning element. When the cable is shortened, the cushioning element is tensed and compresses very little. When the cable is longer, it allows the cushioning element to compress further, making the shoe's ride softer.

A small replaceable battery, which lasts for 100 hours of running — the normal life of a shoe — provides the motor's power. The changes are gradual and happen automatically. So, all the runner feels is that the shoe is just right during an entire run.

Taking a whole of three years in development, the shoe was a secret project, known by only a few people even within Adidas. An exclusive distribution of shoes will be in select retailers and Adidas `Sport Performance' stores from December 2004. It will retail for $ 250 and 250 Euros.

According to Mr Erich Stamminger, Executive Board Member, Adidas, who is responsible for global marketing and North America, this product will change the entire sporting goods industry. "It is a true first and establishes Adidas as a clear leader in the field of innovation," he said in the statement.

In India, Adidas products are available in almost all the leading cities, marketed by Adidas India Marketing Pvt Ltd, a joint venture company of Adidas India Pvt Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of Adidas Salomon AG and Magnum International Trading Co Ltd.

More Stories on : New Products & Services | Leather

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