FlexLab Studio
Review recordings in a visual workspace, compare posture and movement sessions, and export the underlying data when a study needs a custom analysis path.
Go to demoResearch & science
Research with FlexTail
MinkTec combines flexible sensor technology, robust data analysis, and applied health research to make three-dimensional spinal posture measurable in everyday settings. As a TU Braunschweig spin-off, we work with research and clinical partners to develop practical tools for biomechanics, ergonomics, and digital health.
Discuss a research project
Analysis software
FlexLab Studio
FlexLab Studio gives researchers a purpose-built environment for evaluating FlexTail recordings. Analyze measurements with drag and drop in the interface or export raw CSV data for deeper, customized analysis workflows.
Go to demoFrom sensor to insight
A platform for every stage of the workflow
Start with a visual review, run a repeatable analysis, automate data preparation, or integrate FlexTail into a product. Each path uses the same measurements and can stand alone or work together.
Python library and notebook
Build reproducible analysis around FlexTail recordings: load measurements and annotations, reconstruct sensor shape, calculate metrics, and bring the results into a data-science workflow.
Open the notebookFlex CLI
Capture over Bluetooth Low Energy or USB serial, inspect sessions, calculate posture and movement statistics, and convert recordings to CSV, JSON, Arrow, Parquet, or RSF without writing an integration.
Explore the CLI demoFlexTail SDK
Embed FlexTail into your own application. The transport-neutral SDK handles setup, packet parsing, and live evaluation while your software keeps control of Bluetooth, serial, permissions, and user experience.
Supported platforms
FlexLab Studio
Windows macOS Linux Android iOS Web
Python library and notebook
Windows macOS Linux
Flex CLI
Windows macOS Linux
FlexTail SDK
Windows macOS Linux Android iOS Web
Detailed evaluation report
See what a FlexTail evaluation can reveal
This document illustrates what FlexTail sensor data can be used for in the context of occupational and domestic ergonomics. Each chapter applies a different analytical framework to real recordings, demonstrating how continuous lumbar kinematics translate into actionable ergonomic insight.
Figure preview 01
Activity profiles, posture distributions, and bend analyses from real FlexTail recordings.
Read the detailed evaluation reportApplied evidence
Case studies and research projects
Human-robot collaboration in digital fabrication
At TU Braunschweig, FlexTail delivered continuous data on spinal curvature, bending, and rotation during a study of robot-assisted 3D concrete printing. The study showed a 60% reduction in awkward back postures, 44% less manually handled weight, and nearly threefold productivity compared with traditional casting.
Spinal posture tracking validation
A peer-reviewed validation study by Masch et al. evaluated FlexTail against high-precision 3D-printed flexion, spine-shaped, and torsion models.
PostureCare: ergonomics training for nursing
PostureCare develops an interactive mixed-reality training system for care practice that recognizes potentially harmful postures and provides feedback during simulated tasks. MinkTec contributes sensor-based posture measurement in collaboration with the University of Oldenburg and OFFIS, within the wider ZDIN Zukunftslabor Gesundheit context.
ErgoFee: reducing physical demands in care work
ErgoFee is developing a wearable, app-supported system to analyse physical demands in nursing and provide direct ergonomic feedback. MinkTec coordinates the project with DFKI and BeSu.Solutions; the team is testing how the system can fit everyday care settings.
Automatic recognition of daily activities
Studies at the Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics used FlexTail to classify 22 activities of daily living with up to 98% accuracy. Compared with video-based pose estimation, the wearable sensor delivered more precise data for seated activities and transition movements without dependence on camera angles or line of sight.
Mobility measurement after scoliosis surgery
A biomechanical pilot study at Asklepios Paulinen Clinic Wiesbaden measured three-dimensional spinal mobility in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis before and after corrective spinal fusion. FlexTail provided reproducible, real-time measurements for objective perioperative follow-up.
Peer-reviewed work
Scientific publications
Data Science
Relating Posture and Back pain
Using posture and movement data of everyday life over several weeks, we have recently found quantifiable hints correlating certain posture patterns with unspecific back pain.
FlexTail
For 3D-shape sensing
Our FlexTail is a foil-based, flexible sensor strip that allows directional measurement of bending. Combining multiple cleverly arranged strain sensors with a proprietary evaluation algorithm, the FlexTail enables a real reconstruction of the strip shape. The sensor is fabricated in a way that allows a very cost-effective mass production.
Live Visualization
Interactive Data Exploration
Explore our interactive visualization tools that allow you to analyze sensor data in real-time. This box plot visualization helps you understand the distribution and patterns in your measurement data.
ExploreWorking with the Data
Apart from FlexLib Studio our cross platform application to record and view data we provide a python library to access and analyze the data collected by our sensors. Checkout the notebook below to see what we can do.
View Notebook