On Debuts Its Unique LightSpray Shoe-Spraying Robot In London Ahead Of The Marathon

InnovationConsumer TechOn Debuts Its LightSpray Shoe-Spraying Robot In London Ahead Of The MarathonByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorApr 24, 2026, 09:50am EDTApr 24, 2026, 09:56am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.On's LightSpray robot in gentle, persistent action.David PhelanCutting-edge technology led to the creation of the LightSpray running shoe, but it may not be the tech you’re thinking of. Johannes Voelchert watched a video of a Halloween hot glue gun spraying spider webs and was inspired to create something. In the end, it became the LightSpray shoe. ForbesApple iPhone 18 Pro: Latest Leak Doubles Down On Design Update NewsBy David PhelanVoelchert, in London with the robot that will build a shoe in front of your eyes in around four minutes, says that he didn’t immediately know he’d use the inspiration to build shoes (“It could have been a lampshade at one point,” he said). But in the end, he pitched the idea of a shoe to On, the Swiss running shoe company, who gave him a job. The result is the shoe that tech built: laceless, with a one-piece upper and created in an entirely new automated method. Voelchert is now On’s Innovation Technology Design Lead.How The LightSpray Robot WorksThe robot swings the shoe sole and what looks like a blue gumboot in front of a single thread of continuous filament. Using artful robotic movements of the sole, the filament sprays the upper into place on the gumboot (that part is later removed). Minutes later, the robot starts on the next shoe. In between, a tiny pile of what looks like gossamer-light snow builds up on the ground. MORE FOR YOUIf I’m making the whole thing sound a little hypnotic to watch, that’s because it is, and it’s on show until Sunday in central London as part of an immersive experience with movement sessions...