In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, cities worldwide are exploring innovative ways to integrate public health measures into everyday life. One intriguing concept is the development of park chairs that double as COVID testers. These smart benches combine seating with testing capabilities, offering a discreet and convenient way for people to check their health while enjoying outdoor spaces.

How do these chairs work? Equipped with built-in sensors and touchless technology, users can perform rapid tests by simply interacting with the chair’s interface. Some models even provide instant results via smartphone apps, reducing the need for lab processing. This fusion of urban furniture and health tech aims to make testing more accessible while maintaining public comfort.

While still in experimental stages, such designs highlight the potential for creative solutions in post-pandemic urban planning. Could these chairs become a common sight in parks? Only time—and public adoption—will tell.