Bose Enters Trucking Sector With High-Tech Seat

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Audio products maker Bose Corp. has jumped into the trucking sector, unveiling a high-tech seat for over-the-road drivers to combat road vibration.

The company held a day-long press session here Wednesday to unveil its Bose Ride System, which it said will help fleets retain drivers, cut health-care costs and reduce accidents, while improving the health and comfort of drivers.

The system is based on an electromagnetic actuator Bose developed to counteract the effects of road bumps on heavy-duty trucks through the seat, which it said is a major improvement over current air-ride seats.

Mike Rosen, chief engineer of Bose’s Research and Development Group, said more than 50% of drivers report that they have back problems, which he said is largely the result of whole-body vibration caused by road irregularities.

The company intends to begin production of the seats in March and said it will focus on fleets for now.

By Howard S. Abramson
Editorial Director