The Darma smart cushion is a novel sensor that only requires that you sit on it. Relying on a 1mm-thin sensors, it can detect even the tiniest body movements, while also being able to record the heart rate, respiratory patterns and even your sitting posture. This information is then sent via Bluetooth 4.0 to an accompanying iOS app from where you get to learn a thing or two about your health and activity patterns over a period of time.

The idea behind this smart cushion is that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health.In addition, the Darma app will also come with actionable information, recommending certain activities based on what it detects. For instance, if you’ve been sitting for too long, it’ll alert you to stand up and stretch. If it notices that you’re slouching, it’ll prompt you to sit up straight. And if it sees your stress levels going north, it’ll advise you to take a break and sit through a guided meditation minute where you’re encouraged to relax until your heart rate slows down.

According to one of Darma’s creators Dr. Junhao Hu, the idea behind this smart cushion is that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health, especially when it comes to poor posture and back problems. Additionally, working in an office environment can lead to high stress levels.

Relying on a 1mm-thin sensors, Darma smart cushion can detect even the tiniest body movements, and record the heart rate, respiratory patterns and your sitting posture.Darma is still in the early stages but will launch a Kickstarter campaign in June, with the final product shipping later this year. At that time, the cushion should support both iOS and Android.

As for battery life, Dr. Hu says that users should expect a month of operation with a single charge. The final retail price of the cushion will be $249, but Kickstarter early birds will be able to buy one for only $149. At the moment, you can register your email address on the company’s website to get in on the deal.

[Via: Engadget]