New Seat Tech Promises to Reduce Fatigue

Indianapolis-based Comfort Motion Global LLC (CMG) says its new self-adjusting seat mechanism can reduce occupant fatigue by altering stress points.

The company is introducing the technology this year on several Mercedes-Benz vehicles with memory seats. CMG says it is working with 14 other carmakers and suppliers on potential future applications.

Developed by Dr. Paul Phipps, a chiropractor and CMG’s research chief, the patented system makes continuous “micro adjustments” to the seatback and bottom cushion as a vehicle is moving.

This redistributes an occupant’s weight and transfers workloads on the spine and supporting muscles to different areas. As a result, natural tissue recovery cycles can occur, which CMG says helps improve circulation and decreases tissue fatigue/discomfort. The benefits are said to be especially noticeable during frequent and long-distant trips.

The customizable software can be programed into any memory seat, according to the supplier. CMG says the technology also can be used to actuate other seating functions, such as lumbar support, bolsters, heating and cooling, and existing massage systems. The company has tested the system with several universities over the last decade.