Need for speed

Ansbach, Germany – Adidas is to open Speedfactory in 2016, where its shoes will be built entirely by robots.

• The intention is to create a greener and faster manufacturing process
• Adidas will deliver its first 500 robot-built concept shoes in the first half 2016

Using intelligent robotic technology, Adidas will manufacture its shoes faster and in a more eco-friendly way. The process will require less adhesives and reduce shipping emissions. 

The aim of Speedfactory is to complement traditional mass manufacturing, which the brand has outsourced to China in recent years, with local German manufacturing to enable quick delivery of products to consumers.

‘Speedfactory will combine the design and development of sports goods with an automated, decentralised and flexible manufacturing process,’ says Herbert Hainer, CEO of Adidas. ‘This flexibility opens doors for us to be much closer to the market and to where our consumer is.’