Neuroscience Research
Air That Reduces Fatigue
What is the value of air beyond heating and cooling? Uncovering the secrets of how air affects human fatigue and productivity.
Recently, air quality has been attracting growing attention. This is because the potential of air goes far beyond simply providing comfort through heating and cooling.
By changing the elements in the air, new value can be created—something that has never existed before—such as creating "air that makes food taste better," "air that improves concentration at work," and even "air that helps reduce fatigue."
So, how can our lives become better by focusing on air quality? We interviewed two researchers from Daikin Industries who have been conducting research to deliver new value from air to customers.
AIR AFFECTS FATIGUE, PRODUCTIVITY, AND TASTE
Around 20 kilogram. Do you know what this number means? It is the amount of air a person breathes in every day.*¹ Water intake is about 1.2 kilograms, and food about 1.3 kilograms, which means our daily use of air is far greater than that of food and water. Understanding this, we can easily see that air quality is just as important as the quality of food and water.
"Air is the substance that people take into their bodies the most in a day."
(Air is the substance humans take into their bodies in the greatest quantity every day)
Daikin Industries has conducted extensive research on air since its founding. Today, however, the company is working to create new value in air that goes beyond simply controlling temperature and humidity, such as "reducing fatigue" and "improving work efficiency."
Why does Daikin focus on research into 'fatigue' and 'concentration'?
Yoshida
Senior Researcher - Technology and Innovation Center, Daikin Industries, Ltd.
"Lack of sleep and excessive stress can lead to chronic fatigue. Research shows that the right air can stimulate the autonomic nervous system to reduce mental fatigue and keep concentration levels high."
"We developed an air environment that actively and dynamically controls temperature, humidity, airflow, and CO2 levels. Test results showed a significant reduction in mental fatigue among office workers."
"This research was conducted by measuring brain waves (EEG) and heart rate while subjects performed intensive cognitive tasks in a special air-controlled room."
"Our goal is not just to make air feel cool or warm, but to create air that optimally supports biological function and brain health."
AIR THAT AFFECTS FATIGUE AND HOW WE PERCEIVE TASTE
Beyond fatigue and concentration, Daikin has also conducted surprising research on how air affects the perception of taste in food and drinks.
The sensation of taste doesn't come from the tongue alone; it is strongly influenced by aromas inhaled through the nose (retro-nasal olfaction) as well as the humidity and temperature of the air around us.
How do humidity and the aroma of the air create richer flavors?
Inui
Lead Researcher / Air Quality Specialist - Technology and Innovation Center, Daikin Industries, Ltd.
"We found that controlling humidity and airflow can increase the intensity of food aromas by up to 20%. This makes dining feel far more delicious without changing the recipe."
"Restaurants and eateries using our precision air control report higher customer satisfaction with the taste of their dishes."
"This proves that air is an 'invisible seasoning' that plays a vital role in everyday life."
How Air Influences the Perception of Food Flavor
AIR ENVIRONMENTS THAT PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Daikin is committed to continuously developing air conditioning technology based on neuroscience research that supports human well-being across all living spaces.
The application of this technology is not limited to offices and workspaces, but extends to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and even the culinary industry.
In the future, Daikin air conditioners will not just cool rooms, but intelligently adapt to the activities and physiological conditions of their occupants—helping you work with more focus, rest more deeply, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Want to Experience Daikin's Healthy, Anti-Fatigue Air at Home or in Your Office?
Get a free consultation on Daikin Inverter & Streamer air conditioning technology with our team of specialists.