Download Print Press Kit: Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) Seat Comfort Test Laboratory The Seat Comfort Test Lab was established in 2017 and incorporates 201 sq metres The Seating Lab runs a multitude of tests that includes: Seat scanning, H-point audit; seat inspection polyworks: These tests provide essential data for seat ergonomics that contribute to optimum driver comfort Comfort testing (overall hardness, hardness distribution, trim tension, suspension test): This is used to determine cushion/back comfort enablers by testing for overall hardness, hardness distribution, trim tension and suspension Body pressure distribution, static comfort evaluation: This determines pressure targets on different seat areas and correlate the comfort testing results with the comfort evaluation The lab predicts and ensures occupant comfort for drivers and passengers, and ensures that all visibility and reach targets are met The average driver spends over 300 hours a year in the driver’s seat Seats are designed to suit a wide range of occupants – the 5th percentile of females (very small) to the 95th percentile of men (large) Robot is used for Seat Comfort measurement and Ingress/Egress testing Dynamic Tenting Rig performs durability tests on leather seat materials to identify any possible tenting and abnormal wear of leather during use 3D scanning of seats for virtual analysis in order to predict occupant movement with regards to regulatory requirements, such as the hip point (H-point) The lab is environmentally controlled at 23C and 50% relative humidity in keeping with industry standards for consistent results as foam is sensitive to heat and humidity The lab is fully capable in Virtual Engineering of seats integrated into vehicle models