New micro-factory produces custom shoes, in six minutes

Keen Footwear has a robot called “Uneek” that can build a shoe in under six minutes.

The company describes the Uneekbot as the world’s smallest shoe factory.

Uneek operates at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, mass customization, and same-day delivery.

In full disclosure, six minutes represents only the robotic assembly process. For now, the production cycle requires a human “meat-bot” to choose the proper sole, load the machine, fasten the sole to plates and to thread the bungee cords to finish the shoe. All in all, the process takes, a still impressive, 15-20 minutes. Great for small production, but not yet viable for mass-production.

Uneek is a glimpse of things to come…