[Norbert Zare] has identified a problem many of us suffer from – chronically bad posture. Its very common to see computer users hunched forwards over a screen, which eventually will lead to back problems. He mentions that most posture correction devices are pretty boring, so the obvious solution to [Norbert] was to build a simple robot to give you a friendly nudge into the correct position.
This simple Arduino-based build uses the ubiquitous MPU-6050 which provides 3-axis acceleration and 3-axis gyro data all processed on-chip, so it can measure where you’re going, which way you are orientated and how fast you are rotating. This is communicated via the I2C bus, so hooking into an Arduino or Raspberry Pi is a simple affair. There are plenty of Open Source libraries to work with this very common device, which helps reduce the learning curve for those unfamiliar with programming a fairly complex device.
At the moment, he is mounting the sensor on his body, and hard-wiring it, so there’s already some scope for improvement there. The operating premise is simple, if the body angle is more than 55 degrees off vertical, move the servos and shove the body back in to the correct position.
The project GitHub has the code needed, and the project page over on Hackaday.io shows the wiring diagram.
We have seen quite a few projects on this subject over the years, like this one that sends you mobile notifications, an ultrasonic rangefinder-based device, and one that even uses a webcam to keep an eye on you. This one has the silliness-factor, and we like that round these parts. Keep an eye on [Norbert] we’re sure there more good stuff to come!
LoL, I like it.
Kept expecting it to slap him
I feel like this would be more effective.
Know what that arm needs? More power!
https://cdn.quotesgram.com/img/26/69/1102112500-attachment.jpg
Modify it so that in between postural reminders it periodically feeds you a fork full of tikka masala without having to take your hands off the keyboard and I think you’d have a very marketable product for the target demographic.
Put your screen higher instead. If you put your screen at eye level, you won’t be tempted to hunch over.
Also, for some quick and easy feedback on your posture, you may put a tennis ball between your back and the chair and hold the ball in place. The ball will slide down as you hunch over.
I use a monitor arm for all my adjustment needs.
Seems like the useless machine just found it’s use. :P