Type and wearing method-dependent COP and muscle fatigue measurement of baby carriers for the development of smart baby carriers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the center of pressure (COP) changes depending on the type and wearing method of baby carriers, which is fundamental research for the development of smart baby carriers. In addition, the most comfortable and least burdensome type and method of wearing baby carriers is suggested. Design/methodology/approach The COP and muscle fatigue were measured depending on the three types and wearing method of baby carriers. And then, the subjective stability, comfort, and fatigue were analyzed. Findings The results of this study show that horizontal changes to the COP are greater and when baby carriers are worn loosely, subjective comfort is worse. Furthermore, when the shoulder straps are worn loosely, the center of mass moves downwards, lowering the muscle fatigue of the shoulders, but greatly raising the muscle fatigue of the waist and thighs. Comparison of the shapes of baby carriers showed that X-type produced greater muscle fatigue in the shoulders, waist, and thighs, as well as greater subjective fatigue in the shoulders. However, subjective fatigue in the waist decreases when baby carriers without waist support are worn. Originality/value It is expected that changes in COP values based on the type and method of wearing baby carriers will be applied as fundamental data for the development of automatic-adjusting smart baby carriers that prevent muscular pain and concentrated pressure.