Reported May 2009

A MULTIPOSITION CAR SEAT: Anyone who has sat in a car for a lengthy trip knows that even plush seats can become painful as the hours pass. Drivers have less freedom to move and may suffer the most. Researchers developed a new type of seat that makes small movements while you drive. These small changes force the driver to adjust, relieving pressure points, enhancing blood circulation, and reducing muscle fatigue. Software based around a specially developed algorithm controls the movement of the components embedded in the seat.

WHAT ERGONOMISTS DO: Ergonomists conduct research on human bodies and their interactions with tools, structures, or furniture, to design the job to fit the worker (or in this case, the driver). In the modern office, it most commonly relates to the physical stresses placed on joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, bones, even hearing and eyesight, along with other environmental factors that can adversely affect comfort and health. The science of ergonomics deals with the interaction of technology and work environments with the human body, and involves anatomy, physiology and psychology in the design of chairs, desks, computer accessories, car controls and instruments -- in short, any kind of product that could help relieve potential repetitive strain from a given job or task.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Alan B. Rowley
Comfort Motion Technologies
Vice President Commercialization
Anderson, Indiana 46013
(317) 313.4713
abrowley@comfortmotion.com

Lois Smith
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Santa Monica, CA 90406
(310) 394-1811
http://www.hfes.org
lois@hfes.org

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