Herman Miller, well known for its iconic Aeron chairs has announced a new product today called Live OS, which intends to make workplaces and employees more efficient, energized, healthy, and happy.
Live OS includes both hardware and software and can be used with fixed and adjustable Herman Miller desks that already include the hardware, or be added on to any desk. However, Live OS may provide the most value when used with standing desks or the company’s sit-to-stand desks. The system is comprised of sensors, the Live OS app, Dashboard software, and a paid subscription cloud service.
Your organization and your people will reap the benefits of a more connected, personalized workplace with this system of cloud-connected furnishings, app, and dashboard.
Quartz reported that although there will be volume discounts, the sensors will start at a pricey $100 each, along with $36/year per desk for the cloud software. In the case of the standing desks or the sit-to-stand models the cost will be $60/year per desk.
The sensors will capture desk surface utilization and know when someone is using a connected desk. This anonymous data will be organized and viewable in real-time (transmitted via cellular radios) on the Live OS Dashboard and help office managers better use their resources.
The Live app will allow users to set sit and stand preferences, receive activity reminders and progress reports, and adjust desks with a single touch. Herman Miller says “This heightened level of activity encourages people to be more productive, efficient, and engaged.”
Although it may seem unnecessary to have this level of data about a workplace’s furniture and employee usage, it will be interesting to see how Herman Miller’s smart furniture does and how much value businesses will find in this system.
One of the company’s seemingly biggest challenges will be convincing businesses how much value Live OS can provide over less expensive initiatives like health challenges, subsidizing employee wearables like Apple Watches or Fitbits, or just investing in standing desks without the sensors and yearly subscription cost.
Herman Miller is launching Live OS in North America for now with limited availability. Although not yet available to purchase, you can sign up for more information on the Live OS webpage.
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