Japanese Bandai opts for ‘smart’ option: how to get kids to play outside

According to The Asahi Shimbun, Japanese toymaker Bandai Co. has come up with a novel way to get kids to exercise while glued to games on their smartphones: “smart” shoes.
Each shoe has a sensor on the sole to “read” foot movements. When the sensors are linked with a free gaming app, the in-game avatar moves in sync with the player.
The company says the shoes, named “Digicalized,” are designed to help schoolchildren regain fitness lost during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
This allows players to enjoy puzzles, dance battles and other games that involve physical activity, the company said.
The number of steps taken each day is charted, and players can earn in-game points.

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14954919