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Harry Sweere

Harry Sweere

Founder of Ergotron

Harry C. Sweere (1934-2005) founded Ergotron in 1982 and served as Chairman, CEO and Chief Scientist. In 2000, Harry also founded Constant Force Technology, LLC (CFT), which designed, manufactured and sold ergonomic flat panel monitor (FPM) desk stands to global manufacturers. Ergotron, Inc. and CFT formally merged on January 1, 2005, and retained the Ergotron name.

Harry designed computer workstations based on ergonomic principles and scientific anthropometric data for more than 20 years. His ergonomic papers include:

  • “Ergonomic Factors Involved in Optimum Computer Workstation Design”
  • “Design of an Ergonomically Correct Desk Stand for Flat Panel Monitors”
  • “Office Ergonomics in the Era of Flat Panel Monitors”

He also co-wrote a paper with his brother, Dr. Joseph J. Sweere, founder of the H.C. Sweere Center for Clinical Biomechanics and Applied Ergonomics at Northwestern Health Sciences University, titled “Optimum Neutral Posture for Seated Computer Operators.”

Although he wrote many scientific papers, Harry most enjoyed designing computer mounting hardware based on ergonomic data published by other experts in this field. He acquired numerous U.S. patents, including patents on one of the world’s first tilt swivel stands for CRT monitors, the world’s first FPM mounting arms and the ergonomic FPM desk stands (first manufactured by CFT).

Harry was also influential in developing the VESA Standard. He authored two standards published by the Video Electronics Standards Association:

  • VESA Flat Panel Monitor Physical Mounting Interface (FPMPMI™) Standard, which has been implemented by most FPM manufacturers worldwide
  • VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI™) Standard, which replaces FPMPMI

This standard broadened the original mounting interface standard to include the complete range of video monitors, displays and flat TVs. It includes five sections covering flat displays from 4" (100mm) to 90" (2,300mm) diagonal.

Harry’s legacy of innovation and commitment to ergonomics lives on in Ergotron’s mission of moving people forward with solutions that remove constraints for workers to thrive.