Put down that joystick and start walking. Not too long ago group of students from Japan’s University of Tsukuba showcased virtual shoes as part of the Emerging Technologies exhibit. These “Powered Shoes” are real shoes that let the wearer walk in a virtual world. They look like a mix of Birkenstocks and old roller skates, with motorized rollers in the sole that move with the wearer’s steps to keep them in place. Sensors in the shoes register each step in a computer program, allowing users to navigate through virtual environments while staying physically in one spot. This technology could be used for gaming, indoor exercise, or even in serious applications like aiding robotic devices in search and rescue missions.