Purdue Engineers Develop a Chair With 'Sense'

Feb. 9, 2001
Purdue University engineers have developed a "sensing chair" that\r\ncan determine a person's sitting posture.

Purdue University engineers have developed a "sensing chair" that can determine a person''s sitting posture.

Researchers believe the "sensing chair" could improve the ergonomics of furniture.

The modified office chair uses software algorithms that interpret information collected by an array of pressure sensors in the backrest and seat.

When tested on 30 people, the chair demonstrated an overall accuracy of 96 percent in determining whether people were slouching, leaning in various positions crossing their legs or sitting upright.

"For anybody who wants to do anything related to ergonomics, slouching is the one posture you probably really want to discourage," said Hong Tan, an assistant professor at Purdue''s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "Perhaps such a sensing chair might sound a warning beep every time its user assumed a slouching posture."

However, the "sensing chair" may not be in stores too soon. Ergonomics experts question the researchers claim that the chair could "determine an ergonomically correct posture."

The Business and Institutional Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) addresses working postures in its provisional release on ergonomics guidelines for furniture.

"There is no uniquely correct working posture that would fit any user for an extended period of time and/or accommodate every personal working habit."

by Virginia Sutcliffe

Sponsored Recommendations

ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)

March 28, 2024
ISO 45001 certification – reduce your organizational risk and promote occupational health and safety (OHS) by working with SGS to achieve certification or migrate to the new standard...

Want to Verify your GHG Emissions Inventory?

March 28, 2024
With the increased focus on climate change, measuring your organization’s carbon footprint is an important first action step. Our Green House Gas (GHG) verification services provide...

Download Free ESG White Paper

March 28, 2024
The Rise and Challenges of ESG – Your Journey to Enhanced Sustainability, Brand and Investor Potential

Free Webinar: Mining & ESG: The Sustainability Mandate

March 28, 2024
Participants in this webinar will understand the business drivers and challenges of ESG and sustainability performance, the 5 steps of the ESG and sustainability cycle, and prioritized...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!