Jaguar Land Rover develops ‘morphable’ seat to optimise customer well-being

Jaguar Land Rover is developing a pioneering shape-shifting system designed to improve customer wellbeing by tackling the health risks of sitting down for too long. The ‘morphable’ seat uses a series of actuators in the seat foam to create constant micro-adjustments that makes the brain think that the user is walking, and could be individually tailored to each driver and passenger. It is currently under trial at the Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors Research division.

By simulating the rhythm of walking, a movement known as pelvic oscillation, the technology can help mitigate health risks of sitting down for too long on extended journeys with UK drivers covering an average of 146 miles every week.

Dr Steve Iley, chief medical officer, Jaguar Land Rover said: “The well-being of our customers and employees is at the heart of all our technological research projects. 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.”

More than a quarter of people worldwide, almost 1.4 billion, are living increasingly sedentary lifestyles which can shorten muscles in the legs, hips and gluteals causing back pain. The weakened muscles can also lead to injuries from fall and strain.

The research is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment towards customer well-being through technological innovation. Previous projects have included research to reduce the effects of motion sickness and the implementation of ultraviolet light technology to stop the spread of colds and flu. Together, these efforts are driving towards Destination Zero- Jaguar Land Rover’s ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner.