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Automated Shoemaking
Keen Uneekbot Hong Kong Tour

Portland-based footwear brand Keen is famous for its minimalistic two-cord design that combines the lightweight upper and the sole in a unique way for the Uneek sandal in 2014. Starting from 2016 the company has utilised the Uneekbot, a special machine with two robotic arms developed with Swiss robot maker House of Design, for building custom versions of Uneek. The Uneekbot will be visiting Hong Kong for the first time next month, bringing along two special colourways just for the Hong Kong market.

There’s still a manual component that requires humans in the shoemaking process, especially for the steps that require extra attention to detail, but the combination of robot and human effort does boost production efficiency. As for the Hong Kong special colourways, they are inspired by the red-white-blue nylon bag originated in Hong Kong. The colourful braids are either paired with Caribbean Sea upper and Black sole, or High Risk Red upper and Netural Grey sole. Pre-orders will begin on 31 May for the limited edition colourways, and the shoes can be picked up on 7-9 June during Uneekot’s Hong Kong visit. Special premiums will be available as gift with purchase, while current owners of Uneek can bring their sandals to the event for free Bungee Cord exchange.

 

Uneek Hong Kong edition pre-order
Date: Starting from 1pm, 31 May
Address: Keen Popup store  – 426A, 4/F MOKO, Mongkok

Uneekbot Hong Kong Tour 2019
Dates: 7-9 June
Address: Keen Popup Store – UG2 Atrium, The One, Tsim Sha Tsui