UK drivers are estimated to cover an average of 146 miles (235 km) every week Spending long journeys sitting down can lead to muscle shortening and pain Jaguar Land Rover claim their micro-adjusting seat can help ease these effects Tiny actuators within the seat foam stimulate each leg one after the other
Jaguar Land Rover had unveiled a design for a shape-shafting 'seat of the future' that tricks your brain into thinking that you are walking as you drive.
The UK car manufacturer's so-called 'morphable' seat concept is intended to tackle the health risks of sitting down for too long.
According to the Department for Transport, UK drivers are estimated to cover around 146 miles (235 kilometres) in their vehicles each week.
Tiny actuators within the seat's internal foam stimulate one leg after the other in order to simulate the rhythm of walking — which is known as 'pelvic oscillation'.
According to the World Health Organisation, some 1.4 billion people worldwide are now living increasing sedentary lifestyles.
Such inactivity can lead to the shortening of muscles in the legs, gluteals and hips — and ultimately lead to back pain and an increased risk of injury from falls or strains.
However, continuous micro-adjustments in the shape-shifting seat that simulate pelvic oscillation could help ease some of the effects of spending long journeys sat down, Jaguar Land Rover's Body Interiors Research division claim.
The motion had no impact on comfort, they added — and the movements of advance seats could be tailored to best fit each individual driver and passenger.
If realised for commercial production, the morphing technology would add to the ergonomic features of both Jaguar and Land Rover car seats — which include multi-directional adjustability and massage functions.
The research into the morphable seat is part of series of Jaguar ventures endeavouring to improve the wellbeing of its customers and their passengers.
Previous projects have included research into reducing the effect of motion sickness, as well as the implementation of ultra-violet light technology in vehicle air conditioning systems to help eliminate pathogens and stop colds and flu spreading.
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