Bose Corporation Unveils Seat To Protect Against Road-Induced Shocks and Vibration

New seat measures cab motions to counteract road disturbances

By John Baxter

Bost introduced a new seat for truck cabs that electronically measures road surfaces to offer resistance to shocks and vibrations.

Bose Corporation, a maker of premium sound systems, has introduced a suspension seat for truck drivers that actively responds to electronically measured cab motions to stabilize the seat as never before possible.

The Bose Ride system replaces a conventional air ride truck seat with a Bose suspension base and integrated, custom designed seat top. It provides over-the-road truckers with what the company describes as “an unprecedented level of protection from road-induced shocks and vibration.”

During the Jan. 27 announcement at Framingham, Mass., where the company is based, officials declined to give the product’s price or say which seat maker is providing the seat top.

The heart of the system is a high-powered linear actuator capable of countering the forces on the seat caused by road disturbances. It includes other components such as sensors, as well as an amplifier that energizes the actuator to counteract road disturbances before they ever reach the driver. It works on a principle similar to noise-canceling microphones, and draws less than 50 watts of power.

The system is compatible with most makes and models of heavy trucks, and can be installed by a trained mechanic in less than two hours.

It will be available on a build-to-order basis for large fleets in March, and will be sold to owner-operators following fleet availability.