A Smart Chair to Monitor Sitting Posture by Capacitive Textile Sensors

In this paper, a smart office chair with movable textile sensors to monitor sitting position during the workday is presented. The system consists of a presence textile capacitive sensor with different levels of activation with a signal conditioning device. The proposed system was integrated into an office chair to detect postures that could provoke musculoskeletal disorders or discomfort. The microcontroller measured the capacitance by means of a cycle count method and provided the position information in real time. The information could be analysed to set up warnings to prevent incorrect postures or the necessity to move. Five participants assumed a series of postures, and the results showed the workability of the proposed smart chair. The chair can be provided as a new tool for companies, hospitals, or other institutions to detect incorrect postures and monitor the postures of people with reduced mobility. This tool can optimise control procedures or prevent occupational risks.

Automated summary

This paper presents a smart office chair equipped with movable textile sensors to monitor sitting position. The system includes a presence textile capacitive sensor with different levels of activation and a signal conditioning device. Integrated into an office chair, the system detects postures that may cause musculoskeletal disorders. The microcontroller measures capacitance using a cycle count method and provides real-time position information. The results of testing with five participants demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed smart chair. The chair can be used as a new tool for companies, hospitals, or institutions to detect incorrect postures and monitor the postures of individuals with limited mobility.