Japanese air-conditioning manufacturer Daikin Industries has developed an intelligent system that shoots out cold air when it detects office workers are falling asleep.

The firm said it conducted research and found that making the room colder for a few minutes was more effective at rousing employees than things like bright lights or a refreshing aroma.

Daikin hopes to collaborate with Japanese tech firm NEC to develop the high-tech air-conditioning system. The firms expect that it could be ready as soon as 2020.

“I have tried coffee, a quick workout and short chats when I get drowsy after lunch, but the Daikin system was much better than all of that,” said Yurino Kan, a Daikin employee who participated in the study.

Daikin has also conducted research on how temperatures in the workplace might affect employees differently.

The firm’s researchers found that in winter, men tend to be more productive in rooms where the temperature is 20 degrees and 30 percent humidity*. Women work better in conditions where it is 22 degrees and with 50 percent humidity.

However, critics point out that there may be more effective methods of encouraging employees to overcome their afternoon slump. Researchers have found that taking a nap can boost productiveness more than most methods.

(SD-Agencies)