Automotive

Lexus spins kinetic car seat from synthetic spider silk

Lexus spins kinetic car seat from synthetic spider silk
The back rest is both made from synthetic spider silk material and inspired in form by the spider web
The back rest is both made from synthetic spider silk material and inspired in form by the spider web
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The web-like surfaces are designed to wrap the body and better spread your weight
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The web-like surfaces are designed to wrap the body and better spread your weight
The slim, skeletal seat is also designed to save weight
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The slim, skeletal seat is also designed to save weight
Instead of a solid block, the Kinetic seat features moving components to provide more ergonomic performance
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Instead of a solid block, the Kinetic seat features moving components to provide more ergonomic performance
The Kinetic Seat is designed to keep the driver comfortable and focused on the road
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The Kinetic Seat is designed to keep the driver comfortable and focused on the road
The back rest is both made from synthetic spider silk material and inspired in form by the spider web
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The back rest is both made from synthetic spider silk material and inspired in form by the spider web
The seat isn't quite as "webby," but still has a web-like look
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The seat isn't quite as "webby," but still has a web-like look
The Lexus UX Concept will also debut in Paris
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The Lexus UX Concept will also debut in Paris
The Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept
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The Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept
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Like other automakers around the world, Lexus is gearing up for the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Along with a world-premiere crossover concept, Lexus will reveal a very different kind of concept: a web-like driver's seat crafted from synthetic spider silk. The orange and black seat looks like a Halloween prop, but Lexus says its Kinetic Seat increases comfort while stabilizing the field of vision for more alert driving.

The concave net structure of the individual seat and backrest cushions is designed to contour the human body better than the typical stuffed cushion. The flexible material helps disperse the individual's weight, which should prevent pressure points and keep the driver comfortable for longer periods, something that would be particularly beneficial for road trips and other extended stints behind the wheel.

The backrest material is tough, eco-friendly QMONOS synthetic spider silk, developed by Spiber. We last saw this innovative material put to use on The North Face's burly Moon Parka. Beyond just tying in ever-so-nicely with the web look of the seat, the material provides for enhanced shock absorption, according to Lexus, and replaces petroleum-based alternatives.

The web-like surfaces are designed to wrap the body and better spread your weight
The web-like surfaces are designed to wrap the body and better spread your weight

The main innovation in this seat, though, is its kinetic design, hence the name. Using the human body as inspiration, Lexus has built seat and backrest structures that move with external forces, accommodating more natural movement of the upper body and pelvis while keeping the head stable. So instead of the entire body thrashing about during fast corners and other vehicular maneuvers, the seat moves more naturally with the body, keeping the driver comfortable and focused on the road – or at least that's what Lexus says is supposed to happen.

We don't anticipate seeing a Kinetic Seat option on the 2017 IS, but maybe the seat will show up inside a flashy concept car down the line. The standalone Kinetic Seat Concept display will most definitely be joined by one such concept in Paris, the all-new UX, the latest concept crossover promising bold, urban-influenced styling and high-tech design. That's about all Lexus has released about that one so far, save for the picture below.

The Lexus UX Concept will also debut in Paris
The Lexus UX Concept will also debut in Paris

New Atlas will be heading to the Paris Motor Show in two weeks. Lexus holds its press conference on the first day of the show, September 29, and we plan to stop by to check these concepts out and hopefully rest our weary legs in Lexus' spidery seat. Looks like a web we wouldn't mind getting caught in for a few minutes.

Source: Lexus

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3 comments
3 comments
CAVUMark
Send me one, I can use it in my plane.
Martin Hone
Not sure how well well it would work in an aircraft given that 'memory foam' works really well in this application. But in a vehicle such as an off-road one or with very firm suspension, even a truck, it could be brilliant. Certainly doesn't look all that comfortable though...
Robert Flieger
I'm not crazy about black but it sure should breathe well and keep my back dry.