Walk when sitting: Jaguar's shape-shifting seat of future may kill back pain

Even the most luxurious of car cabins may not absolutely ensure that there is no back pain waiting for passengers at the end of a long journey. Fatigue and body pain emanating from prolonged sitting form factor inside a car is quite a common complaint the world over but that is also exactly what Jaguar is promising to address in the time to come. Working on a unique and revolutionary shape-shifting seating system, the company claims that technology may soon enable brains of passengers to think they are walking rather than sitting.

With the ultimate aim of ensuring well-being of the driver and passenger inside a Jaguar car, the company is developing a 'morphable' seat that uses a series of actuators in the foam to create constant micro-adjustments. These adjustments, Jaguar claims, can make the brain think the body is walking and in motion - eliminating or at least reducing the chances of fatigue and pain. With more and more people leading a sedentary lifestyle, walking is being increasingly advised as a way in which the harmful effects on the human body can be mitigated.

Jaguar says that by simulating the rhythm of walking, a movement known as pelvic oscillation, its technology can help guard against the health risks of sitting down for too long on extended journeys. "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," said Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer. He has also issued advice on how to adjust the seat to ensure the perfect driving position, from removing bulky items in the pocket, to shoulder positioning and from ensuring the spine and pelvis are straight to supporting the thighs to reduce pressure points.