The Revitalisation System solves the problem of discomfort in aircrafts in an innovative way. Instead of reducing discomfort by changing physical attributes of the seats, this solution changes the way we interact with the seats. The idea is to engage passengers in unobtrusive exercises in their aircraft seats by playing a game. Exercise based gaming is not currently available onboard commercial aircrafts, making this product the first of its kind. The most comparable product could be found in the automotive industry, where BMW integrated an exercise system in their 7 series. This system allows a passenger to do a number of exercises while seated in the backseat and get feedback via a screen in front of them, which is far more rudimentary than the feedback a game gives. The aircrafts setting sets specific demands on the type of exercise. Fellow passengers seated close by should not be disturbed and exercise based movements may also feel embarrassing for the person doing them. This might inhibit passengers from performing the exercises, which is why extra care was taken for the user during concept development. The specific movements in the seat were designed in an aircraft setting through iterative testing. The tests included experiences from passengers and comfort and discomfort ratings based on ergonomics testing. These tests showed that an exercise combining lifting the legs and extending them was the most suitable while it also provides a sufficient rise in heart rate to reduce discomfort.

The physical shape of the product was developed with focus on the designed exercises and the installation process. The product is a thin nylon band, with force sensors attached to a stiff textile section in the middle. The ideal location for the sensors was found by analyzing the pressure points that arise during the exercises. This location is under each leg, 125 millimeters from the seat pan edge and 190 millimeters apart. It can be installed in both new seats and current seats of all different sizes. This is made possible by elastic ends on the band, which also assures an optimal centered position of the sensors. The present velcro fastening that attaches the cover to the foam of the bottom cushion is used for attaching our product. It sits just under the cover of the seat pan, unnoticeable to the passenger. This placement and attachment allows for a quick and easy installation: open the cover of the seat pan, attach the velcro and our product aligns itself. Put the cover back on and the product is ready to use.

A new game was developed to make the controller perform to its best. Requirements for the game include making movements in the seat precision based, rather than reaction based. Reaction based games create quick movements, which is unwanted in the aircraft setting. Therefore a balance game was developed to showcase the strengths of the Revitalisation System. The game required users to roll a ball through a virtual  3D maze while avoiding obstacles. In order to succeed players had to tense their muscles and carefully adjust themselves to control the ball.

The Revitalisation System has been scientifically tested for its proof-of-concept. The tests were conducted with a working prototype. The test concluded that the heart rate had a significant rise between playing state and rest state, with an average rise of 21%. The study also showed higher ratings for excitement from people using the Revitalisation System and lower ratings for stress. These factors contribute to the conclusion that the innovation is performing well and reduces discomfort for passengers.

This project was one of the finalists of the Crystal Cabin Awards 2017.”