# Intelligent Playgrounds to Fight Obesity The i-Play By Elsa Blaine | Published 2008-08-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playgrounds-to-fight-childhood-obesity-i-play-intelligent-play-system References: [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/score/article/2008-08/future-playgrounds) & [intelligentplay](http://www.intelligentplay.co.uk/) This innovative [playground system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-boulder-park) is set to revolutionize the way kids play in the schoolyard or park. The iPlay intelligent play system is meant to lure children off the coach and away from TV and their [video games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leapfrog-leapmove) to encourage motion and exercise. Playdale, the company that developed the system in the UK, sees this it as a preventative tool for [childhood obesity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamebased-fitness). Another selling feature is that the i-Play is completely solar powered! How does it work? The computer controlled i-Play system calls out directions to the kids to either push, pull, spin, or stomp on a flashing orange and blue switch, the faster you complete your round the more point you get. The game ends when you get through all 5 levels, or you use up your 3 'lives'. The i-Play web site even maintains a 'virtual league' so kids can view the scores of others. The system is 7' high and 20' in diameter and according to Popular Science, costs approximately $45,000. It must built like a tank, they way that little boy in the last picture is putting the boots to it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Intelligent Playground Systems:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create and implement intelligent playground systems to promote physical activity and combat childhood obesity. - **Motion-based Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop motion-based gaming systems that encourage kids to engage in physical activities while playing. - **Solar-powered Playgrounds:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and build solar-powered playgrounds to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Playground Equipment Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate intelligent technology into traditional playground equipment to enhance kids' playing experience and promote physical activity. - **Gaming and Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine physical activities with interactive gaming experiences to create a new form of entertainment that encourages movement and exercise. - **Renewable Energy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop solar-powered solutions for various applications, including playgrounds, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interactive Screen-Free Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spin-play.md) - [Trampoline-Enabled Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tekygo.md) - [Active Entertainment Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nex-playground.md) - [Fitness-Inspired Backyard Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backyard-playsets.md) - [Muscle Loss-Combating Playground Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playground-bench.md) - [Structural Energetic Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelago-playscape.md) - [Generational-Lasting Dynamic Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-hewson-2.md) - [Heritage Sound Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hornscape-playground.md) - [Futuristic Glowing Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joya-1.md)