The Smallest Shoe Factory in the World Visits FIDM

Keen Footwear's Uneekbot, called "The World's Smallest Shoe Factory," paid a visit to FIDM recently. 

At a cost of $300,000 per machine, Keen has invested in three Uneekbots, located in Japan, the Netherlands, and at the shoe brand's headquarters in Portland, Oregon. The dual-arm robot can manufacture one pair of Uneek sandals in just eight minutes by knitting paracord throughout a rubber sole. 

FIDM Students watched as shoes were manufactured in real time, and they were able to try on various pairs. The Uneekbot can complete 80 percent of the shoe, but the remaining 20 percent must be completed by hand. Keen will be hosting a design competition for students from FIDM and Pacific Northwest College of Art. The first-place winner will receive $1,000 and a trip to the company's headquarters to present the design (second place will receive $800; third place will receive $400). 

Categories:  Footwear Design & Development