Thursday, July 17, 2025

AI-Powered Occupancy Tracking: Enhancing Open-Plan Office Design

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A New Era in Occupancy Measurement for Open-Plan Offices


Image: The key mechanisms of the proposed design framework for the occupancy measurement system. View more
Credit: 2025 Sihua Chen et al., Journal of Building Engineering

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at The University of Osaka have crafted a novel framework aimed at revolutionizing how we measure occupancy in open-plan offices. This innovative approach utilizes advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to track occupancy at a micro-scale, zeroing in on distinct functional zones within office settings. This addresses a critical gap in traditional methods, which often only provide a broad overview of space usage.

The Need for Precision in Occupancy Data

In the realm of office design, the demand for precise and detailed occupancy data has never been greater. Conventional methods of tracking occupancy tend to miss the nuances of how spaces are utilized, leading to inefficient resource allocation and suboptimal design. The groundbreaking framework developed by the Osaka researchers offers a practical and cost-effective solution for gathering granular data about how people interact within shared workspaces. In essence, this advancement has the potential to transform offices into more sustainable, efficient, and user-friendly environments.

How the System Works

The researchers leverage existing CCTV infrastructure paired with 3D pose estimation technologies to construct a sophisticated computer vision system that meticulously measures occupancy. By analyzing video footage, the system is able to track individuals and classify their locations within pre-set zones. The data is then aggregated to produce detailed patterns of occupancy. This real-world application not only validates the system’s accuracy but also provides critical insights into employee behavior, informing decisions related to office layouts, lighting, heating, cleaning schedules, and energy management.

Insights from the Research Team

Sihua Chen, a doctoral candidate involved in this interdisciplinary research, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, which merges environmental engineering with computer science. This innovative intersection paves the way for addressing tangible challenges in occupancy measurement. According to her, the technology has immense potential to fill existing gaps in measurement techniques, offering data-driven insights that can significantly influence sustainable design and management of office environments.

Implications for Workplace Design

The implications of this advanced occupancy measurement system extend far beyond mere tracking. By offering accurate data, the framework empowers organizations to optimize their office layouts and resource distribution effectively. This can lead to the creation of more sustainable workplaces. As businesses increasingly focus on environmental responsibility and employee well-being, having reliable data to support design choices will be crucial in fostering productivity and achieving energy efficiency.

Key Research Outcomes

The published article titled “Development of an occupancy measurement system for micro-zones within open office spaces based on multi-view multi-person 3D pose estimation” can be found in the Journal of Building Engineering. As cited, the DOI associated with this important work is 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.113037.

About The University of Osaka

Founded in 1931, The University of Osaka has established itself as one of Japan’s foremost comprehensive universities, renowned for its broad disciplinary spectrum and commitment to innovation. The institution plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge through research that drives positive economic and social impacts. Selected as a Designated National University Corporation by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the University of Osaka is dedicated to fostering innovation that supports human welfare and contributes to sustainable societal development.

For more information, visit: The University of Osaka


This innovative approach to occupancy measurement could serve as a game-changer in modern workplace design, bridging the gap between technology and practicality to create dynamic office environments that meet the ever-evolving needs of today’s workforce.

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