Smart Chair Development using ESP32 Microcontroller – A Preliminary Study

Abstract

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the shift to online delivery mode for most teaching faculties has increased the risk of chronic back and neck pain for students and teachers. While short-term adjustments like working from the couch or using an uncomfortable kitchen chair might seem tolerable for working adults or university students, these habits can have detrimental long-term impacts on body and health. Although the pandemic situation has improved, and people are gradually returning to physical workplaces and classrooms, many individuals still spend a significant amount of time sitting in front of screens for work and other activities. This explains why 70% of adults in Malaysia have experienced back and neck pain at least once in their lives. This pre-study proposes a smart chair equipped with sensors that alert users to correct their sitting posture and take screen breaks for stretching, potentially reducing the risk of future muscle aches and pain.