Nike has opened the Bot Initiated Longevity Lab, or BILL, at Nike Town London to help clients clean and rehabilitate their worn sneakers. The trial provides a glimpse into what Nike’s broader sustainability offerings can offer in the near future.
BILL is now capable of cleaning the Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, Dunk, and Space Hippie 01 models. Following the loading of the shoes into the robot, a 3D scan is generated, allowing consumers to specify areas that need cleaning. Cleaning a pair of AF-1s takes roughly 45 minutes, according to Nike. Staff personnel then replace the insoles and shoelaces as needed.
‘The thing is, maintaining old product is deeply personal. People will go to great lengths to care for their favourite shoes. Repairing a product is a way to extend our memory with a product. We see B.I.L.L. as a tool for being able to do that.’ says Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, sustainability lead of Nike NXT.
BILL its services will be free at Nike Town London throughout September.
