Earn while you walk

Murata’s involvement includes producing a wearable wristband as an alternative method of counting your steps, as opposed to a smartphone.

In time it is hoped that the scheme will be utilised by employers to encourage their staff to stay fitter – with earned currency being converted and paid alongside regular salaries. It is also thought that the scheme will have a significant impact in poor countries where people have to walk far greater distances to get to work, school or to collect water. Malawi and Kenya are two African nations that have already signed up to Bitwalking.

An algorithm has also been created to help verify users’ steps and measure movement accurately in order to avoid scamming.

Firms with a vested interest in the fitness sector such as sportswear brands and health insurance firms will be key to the success of the project, with Bitwalking currently on the lookout for partners. Although initially launched in Japan (where it is not unusual for firms to offer employees rewards for fitness activities), it is hoped that the idea of the project could be extended to other developed nations.

Bitwalking creators Nissan Bahar and Franky Imbessi have highlighted the importance of healthy living and, in order to keep walking, we need to keep motivated. They have also stated that the new currency should help tackle health motivation while also letting people feel mentally better by earning money. In addition, more walking will of course mean less driving, less pollution and lower carbon footprints.

Partners of the project could potentially trade walking payouts for data on Bitwalking users. Advertisers or sports brands could use this information to see how active their target market is for instance. At the present moment, the Bitwalking app is invite only.