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Toyota Media

Spidey seats: Lexus reveals web seating concept using 'synthetic spider silk'

Lexus Kinetic Seats are made from synthetic spider silk materials.

LEXUS HAS DEVELOPED a new concept in car seats using environmentally-friendly, synthetic spider silk materials.

The fibre net construction is said to re-evaluate the principles of car seat occupancy.

In humans, the spine acts to stabilise the head. It allows the pelvis and chest to rotate in opposite directions, stabilising movement of the head even while walking or jogging. And this is what the seats are designed to mimic.

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The seats move kinetically with the occupants’ weight and external force. Sitting in the seats helps stabilise head movement, keeps the field of vision steady, reduces the burden on occupants and improves ease of driving and comfort.

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The upholstery of the seat frame is made of a spider web pattern net with threads that spread out radially from the centre of the backrest. This flexible net hugs the shape of the occupant’s body and disperses the load. This is said to give prolonged seat comfort and optimal body support.

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The new synthetic spider silk materials are made from protein, which is created by microbial fermentation, then spun and processed into a new material.

The Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept will be shown for the first time next week at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

READ: Bear Grylls tests the new Land Rover Discovery seats >

READ: New Hyundai i30 unveiled >

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