09:11 03-01-2026

GM patents an adaptive air-chamber seat with smart auto-adjust and massage

General Motors has patented a new seat system that lets drivers adjust size and support during everyday use. The application, listed as US 2025/0376097 A1, was filed in June 2025 and published in December. According to the documentation, the technology is designed to improve comfort and ergonomics in the company’s future models.

At the heart of the design is a so‑called comfort layer placed between the seat frame and the upholstery. It combines foam with one or more air chambers that can inflate and deflate. When filled with air, the chambers expand and feel firmer; when pressure drops, they compress, making the seating softer. An onboard pump controls the airflow in and out.

The patent describes multiple chambers located in the cushion and backrest. They can operate independently, enabling precise adjustments for the lumbar area, side support, upper back, and thigh region. Some elements can change pressure in cycles to provide a massage effect while the car is moving.

The system can also be equipped with pressure and occupancy sensors that determine a person’s position, weight, and body shape. This allows the seat to auto-adjust without manual inputs—particularly relevant for 2025 vehicles and for models shared by several drivers. It neatly addresses a familiar gripe: even advanced seats rarely fit every body equally well.

GM emphasizes that the technology could replace traditional fixed padding, making seats more adaptive and durable. The direction feels natural—shifting from static foam to tunable structures promises comfort that better matches real-world use.