Details, a unit of Michigan-based office furniture maker Steelcase, is reporting success for its futuristic Walkstation. The patent-pending Walkstation integrates a slow-moving treadmill with an electric height-adjustable worksurface, enabling office workers to stay active while chatting on the phone, sending e-mails, reading, and working on a computer. It received an Innovation award at NeoCon 2008.

The Walkstation is selling 30 to 40 units per week, according to company president Bud Klipa.

 

Research suggests that increased physical activity among sedentary office workers may help improve productivity and keep healthcare costs in check. Users of the Walkstation can burn an additional 100 calories per hour while walking at a 1.5 kph rate.

 

With companies showing increasing concern about the health of employees, products like the Walkstation look set to become a growth area and may become part of the future office.