AI-powered occupancy tracking system optimizes open-plan office design

Osaka, Japan - Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel framework for measuring occupancy in open-plan offices with unprecedented precision.  This innovative system uses computer vision and AI to analyze occupancy at a micro-scale level, focusing on specific functional zones within the office. This addresses a significant gap in current occupancy tracking methods, which typically only provide macro-level data and struggle to capture detailed usage patterns within shared spaces.

This research addresses a critical need for more detailed and accurate occupancy data in open-plan offices. Traditional methods often fail to capture the complexities of how these spaces are used, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and design. This new framework provides a practical and cost-effective solution for gathering granular occupancy data, which can inform evidence-based decisions about office design and management. This can lead to more sustainable, efficient, and user-friendly workspaces.

This research uses existing CCTV cameras and 3D pose estimation to create a computer vision system that accurately measures micro-scale occupancy within specific functional zones of open-plan offices. The system analyzes video footage to track individuals and classify their location within predefined zones, aggregating this data to reveal occupancy patterns. Real-world testing validated the system's accuracy, providing valuable insights into how employees use different office areas. These findings can inform decisions regarding office layout, resource allocation (lighting, heating, cleaning), and energy management, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable workspaces.

Sihua Chen, a doctoral candidate involved in the research, highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the project, bridging environmental engineering and computer science to solve real-world challenges. She emphasized the potential of this technology to fill a gap in existing occupancy measurement techniques and provide data-driven support for sustainable design and operation of indoor open-plan office spaces.

This research has significant implications for the future of workplace design. By providing accurate and detailed occupancy data, the framework enables data-driven optimization of office layouts, resource allocation, and energy control, leading to more sustainable and productive work environments.

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The article, “Development of an occupancy measurement system for micro-zones within open office spaces based on multi-view multi-person 3D pose estimation,” was published in Journal of Building Engineering at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.113037

About The University of Osaka

The University of Osaka was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world. Now, The University of Osaka is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation.

Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en