Pac-Man might have been inspired by greasy pizza, but that doesn’t mean its creator, Toru Iwatani, wants you to turn to lard.
Toru Iwatani, Tokyo Polytechnic University and Hitachi are working together on a new fitness machine that combines elements of gaming with serious exercise. After leaving Namco, Iwatani became a lecturer at Tokyo Polytechnic University in 2007.
The machine’s display features a character kayaking in locales like a jungle river. Players must use their body to pedal the character towards the goal downstream. The goal is to have players enjoy the game as well as engage in actual exercise that tones and strengthens arms and legs.
The machine is expected to go on sale next spring and is likely targeted to gyms and fitness clubs.
