Walking faster with less effort is the idea behind a hot new consumer product that looks like skates and is being developed in the city's East End.
Think Roller Blades, only powered by artificial intelligence that allows each skate to "talk" to the other, instantly coordinating the person's gait with the rolling resistance of the wheels. So you're really walking, not skating. Shoes, but smarter.
Think versatility, too: the eight power wheels on each skate were designed to negotiate puddles, sidewalk cracks and pavement divots with ease. Stop walking and the skates quickly slow to a stop — forget the freewheeling of old-style roller skates.
