The shape of things to come

A European project is focusing on providing people with exactly what they need to meet their individual needs. Seats, for example, are experimentally being made to match the shape and wants of children, especially those with disabilities. The project, called Custom-Fit, is part of an initiative to facilitate the manufacture of products to better meet customers’ requirements. Making use of rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies, the project is also targeted at making improved seats and helmets for motorcyclists, as well as medical prostheses, such as jaw and knee implants. Formula 1 drivers already have personal seats made to fit their body form, so they are more firmly supported and can handle the car all the better through those sharp circuit turns and braking manoeuvres. More details on this project appear in the forthcoming April edition of Eureka.