While bots continue to be a hotly debated topic in the world of sneakers, one brand is actually embracing robots, but not in the way you might think. According to NDTV Profit, adidas is looking to add robots to its manufacturing process with the goal of producing more footwear in countries like Germany, where adidas was founded and currently based.
As technology advances, so do the possibilities of sneaker manufacturing, and now robots are becoming cheaper and more efficient than ever. One of adidas' ambitions could very well change the game as we know it: the brand plans to implement an in-store process that would allow a custom sneaker to be created from scratch with a stitching machine and foamer for the sole.
NDTV says that this shift is part of the brand's long-term plan to compete with Nike, who is also reportedly looking into robot manufacturing. "We will bring production back to where the main markets are. We will be the leader and the first mover there," adidas CEO Herbert Hainer said.
That's a bold statement, but it sounds like the race is on.
