The unique 6-minute sandal - Yanko Design

But like its proper noun reads, the Uneek range of footwear by Keen is unique and incredible for a number of reasons. Non simply is it unique in its aesthetics, its construction is incredibly one-of-a-kind too, even from a designer'southward bespeak of view!

The Uneek is a pair of sandals that is almost entirely fabricated from cord. Rather than dice-cutting shapes from pieces of leather/PU Foam, or injection molding an elastomer (Crocs), the Uneek is woven from a spool of cords past a rather talented set of robotic arms. Here's why that'due south so great.

The cord-based sandal firstly explores using robots (named the Uneekbots) for doing intricate and repetitive tasks (something humans aren't skilful at). This A. sets a standard of quality that robots tin can match up to pretty easily, and B. makes it near impossible for humans to copy/counterfeit at the same speed or price. Smashing's sandals are unique and you won't find cheap knock-offs because humans labor is expensive and doesn't friction match a robot'south accuracy. Each sandal can as well be manufactured in a dizzyingly rapid production time of 6 minutes! The closest a human'southward gotten to matching that time is 12 minutes.

The sandals are woven from a tough cord whose woven pattern provides air-gaps, making the footwear breathable, besides cords are much more resistant to breaking/vehement, making the Uneek a long-lasting pair of sandals. The robots piece of work with upwards to 4 spools of cord that tin can easily be mixed and matched for new designs. The cord-based construction also results in dramatically lesser wastage, making the Uneek non but a great example of stellar footwear design, simply also of pattern for a sustainable environment!

Designer: Keen