TACNIQ Backy is an AI-enabled wearable monitoring device designed to reduce workplace injuries caused by improper lifting and posture, based on a Nordic nRF52840 wireless microcontroller and a 6-point piezo-resistive sensor array measuring direct force sensing.
While most ergonomic tools rely on motion tracking or vision-based systems, Backy relies on direct force sensing and embedded AI inference, and the company claims it provides real-time, direct strain detection at a lower cost than competing solutions while keeping costs low and precision high.
Backy specifications:
- SoC – Nordic Semi nRF52840 ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with Bluetooth LE 5.0
- Data Storage – Onboard, with local/cloud sync options
- Sensors – 6-point piezo-resistive pressure array + tilt sensing
- Feedback – 5G-force vibration motor for posture alerts
- Calibration – Auto-calibrates in ~3 seconds
- Connectivity – BLE 5.0, USB for charging and updates
- Features
- Optional SMS/Telegram supervisor notifications
- Open API (REST/Tag-based protocols)
- Security – End-to-end encryption; note: disabled in demo kits
- Battery Life – 24 hours of normal use
- Dimensions – 200 x 146 x 28.5 mm
- Weight – 250 grams
TACNIQ explains Backy’s posture estimation engine runs directly on the nRF52840 without cloud connectivity for ultra-low latency feedback. The AI model was trained using multimodal data (e.g., force and motion), but deployment only requires tactile input, better for energy efficiency and privacy.
Five posture classifications are supported: Upright, Forward Bend, Backward Bend, Left/Right Twist, and Proper Lifting. If strain thresholds are crossed, a 5G-force haptic motor delivers a real-time vibration alert to the wearer.
At 250 grams, it’s relatively lightweight and is designed to be worn over uniforms or under high-vis vests. It looks like a training or injury prevention tool helping the worker adopt a proper posture at all times. The company claims a logistics company reduced high-risk postures by 67% in just a week with the device. Watch the short demo below.
Besides real-time alerts, managers can access a dashboard to monitor a fleet of Backy devices, potentially to identify and train workers who may need help optimizing their posture to prevent future injuries.
The company also shared a comparison table showing how a force data solution like Backy compares against IMU, motion, and video analytics solutions.
| Technology | Precision | Real-Time Feedback | Ease of Use | Privacy & Environment | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerometers/IMUs | Moderate (indirect) | Limited | High | Prone to signal noise | Moderate |
| Motion Capture | High (motion only) | None | Low | Requires studio setup | Very High |
| Video Analytics | Moderate–High | Limited | Moderate | Lighting & privacy issues | Moderate |
| Backy (Force Data) | High (direct strain) | Yes (5G haptics) | High | Minimal impact | Low |
Backy posture monitoring solution is priced at $119 per device for full deployment, but a Demo Kit is also available for $199. Check out the product page for more details and/or order a demo kit.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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