Jaguar Developing Groundbreaking Shape-shifting Seat
‘Morphable’ seat being trialed by automaker’s Body Interiors Research division aims to tackle the health risks of sitting down for too long.
Jaguar Land Rover is developing the seat of the future, a pioneering shape-shifting system designed to tackle the health risks of sitting down for too long.
The “morphable” seat, being trialed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors Research division, uses a series of actuators in the seat foam to create constant micro-adjustments that make your brain think you’re walking, and could be individually tailored to each driver and passenger.
According to the World Health Organization, more than a quarter of people worldwide — 1.4 billion — are living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, which can shorten muscles in the legs, hips and glutes, causing back pain.
By simulating the rhythm of walking, a movement known as pelvic oscillation, the technology can help mitigate against the health risks of sitting down for too long on extended journeys with U.K. drivers covering an average of 146 miles every week, according to a 2018 study by the Department for Transport.
“We are using our engineering expertise to develop the seat of the future using innovative technologies not seen before in the automotive industry to help tackle an issue that affects people across the globe,” proclaims Dr. Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Medical Officer.
Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles already feature the latest in ergonomic seat design, with multi-directional adjustments, massage functions and climate control fitted across the range. DR. Iley has also issued advice on how to adjust your seat to ensure the perfect driving position, from removing bulky items in your pocket, to shoulder positioning and from ensuring your spine and pelvis are straight to supporting your thighs to reduce pressure points.