Introducing an innovative and efficient seat user interface for professional drivers

Prolonged driving is now recognised as one of the main contributing factors to a number of health issues related to professional drivers. Back pain and musculoskeletal disorders are the most frequent symptoms and would seem to be directly related to the driving conditions and, in particular, the seating system. SAFEGUARD, a European co-funded research project, has developed two prototype seating systems, one customised for a truck and the other for a tractor, with the intention of addressing these problems by the implementation of sensors and actuators that are suited for increasing safety and comfort while driving. The diversity of the options provided by the prototype systems, their complexity and requirement to be used properly has necessitated the development of an advanced user interface (UI). The UI prerequisites are for the efficient handling of the varied seat features, a non-obstructive character for the interface and a natural integration of the operational input/output elements in the cabin interior.