GM Patents Adaptive Air-Chamber Seat With Smart Adjustment

General Motors has patented an adaptive air-chamber car seat with auto adjustment and massage features. Learn how the system improves comfort and ergonomics.

General Motors has patented a new automotive seat system designed to improve comfort and ergonomics through an adaptive structure. The patent application, listed as US 2025/0376097 A1, was filed in June 2025 and published in December. According to the documentation, the seat is intended to adjust to a person’s physical characteristics during everyday use.

At the core of the concept is a so-called comfort layer positioned between the seat frame and the upholstery. This layer combines conventional foam with one or more air chambers. By increasing or reducing air pressure, the chambers can expand or compress, making the seat feel firmer or softer as needed. Airflow is controlled by an onboard pump integrated into the system.

The design includes multiple chambers located in both the seat cushion and the backrest. These chambers can operate independently, allowing targeted support for the lumbar area, side bolsters, upper back, and thigh region. The patent also describes pressure cycles in selected chambers, enabling a massage function while the vehicle is in motion.

The system may be equipped with pressure and occupancy sensors that determine a driver’s position, weight, and seating profile. Using this data, the seat can automatically adjust its support without manual input, an approach particularly relevant for vehicles shared by multiple drivers with different body types.

General Motors notes that the technology could eventually replace traditional fixed padding, making seats more adaptive and potentially more durable over time. The move from static foam to tunable structures reflects a broader shift in vehicle interior design, where comfort is increasingly defined by personalization rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.