A startup company from California has developed a smart yoga mat designed to help users get into the right posture while practicing the physical and spiritual activity, Discovery News reported.

The device, which looks like a regular mat, is called the SmartMat and incorporates a combination of electromagnetic layer called Piezoresistive and SmartGrip Surface Technology. These two work by tracking the information collected by the sensors layering the surface of the mat.

If the user is not in the proper yoga position while on the mat, the SmartMap will notify him or her through the accompanying app for iOS and Android devices. The app notifies users whether they need to adjust their body's alignment, balance or pose.

For those who are just starting to practice Yoga, they can refer to the SmartMap's collection of pre-loaded positions. For those who want to move on to other moves, they can check out the device's online store called the SmartMat Marketplace.

The SmartMat has three modes which can be adjusted depending on the users' surroundings, according to the device's Indiegogo page. The In Home Private Mode provides real-time video and visual feedback to users.

For the In Class Assist Mode, users can select if they only want to have visual or video feedback from the device. This feature is convenient for those who want to rely on the mat for guidance but don't want to disturb those who are practicing yoga beside them.

Lastly, the Zen Mode does not provide guidance or feedback during the duration of the exercise. Instead, it records the user's yoga session for post-analysis.

The battery life of the SmartMat can last up to six hours and can be charged through its USB port. The mat also has Bluetooth features which enable users to link it to their tablet or smartphone devices.   

According to the developers of SmartMat, the device was designed to assist those who want to practice Yoga alone or at the comfort of their own homes. Of course, not having an instructor can be difficult and even dangerous when trying out new yoga poses, Mashable reported.

SmartMat aims to make sure that users are well-assisted when practicing yoga privately.