We all know that it’s important to sit up straight, and to not stay seated for too long. With that in mind, researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute have developed an LED stool that coaches people in ‘sitting’. Along with LEDs, the stool is outfitted with multiple flexible pressure sensors. By measuring the user’s weight distribution, the sensors are able to determine if the person is sitting ergonomically they detect if the user is seated at an improper angle or is maintaining one posture for too long. The data is wirelessly transmitted to a computer or mobile device via an app, then transmitted back to the stool which responds by illuminating its LEDs in certain colours, letting the user know that they need to make a change. That app can also guide users through exercises intended to alleviate problems caused by their improper posture, with the sensors detecting if they’re doing the exercises correctly.
The user can consult the app to see a video illustrating what the problem is, along with suggestions on how to correct it. The app also guides users through exercises intended to alleviate problems caused by improper posture, with the sensors detecting if they’re doing the exercises correctly. Fraunhofer is currently demonstrating the system on Germany’s MS Wissenschaft exhibition ship, in a setup where two players control their movements in a game of electronic table tennis by swinging their pelvis on a couple of the stools. Down the road, the sensing technology could also be integrated into more practical applications, such as mats or office chairs.
Credit : New Atlas
Picture Credit : Google
