These High-Tech Airline Seats Pair With Smartphones And Even Have a ‘Massage’ Mode

The Layer Move smart-seat is designed to make economy-class flights way more comfortable.

A London-based firm has created a prototype for a high-tech, smartphone-compatible airplane seat that could make flying considerably more comfortable. 

Layer’s “Move” seat for Airbus aircraft is designed to be implemented in economy class cabins on short-to-mid-length flights. Each is constructed of a digitally-knitted seat cover over a lightweight composite frame.

The smart material contains embedded sensors that allow passengers to monitor and control seat tension, temperature, pressure, movement and more using the the Move app. Sure sounds a lot better than fiddling with a dinky air vent for the duration of a flight. 

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According to Layer’s website, the app also “analyzes data and automatically adjusts to the passenger to maintain optimal ergonomic comfort” based on said passenger’s weight, size and movement. 

Better yet, Dezeen reports that users can choose from a variety of different modes like “meal time,” “sleep” and even “massage.” 

On the back of each seat is a vertically-stored, height-adjustable tray table that can be folded in half, a slick infotainment system with USB ports to charge personal devices, and a small pocket made from pressure sensitive yarn that can send a notification after landing if a forgotten belonging is detected. 

Move seats aren’t just better for passengers—they’re weight-saving aluminum and carbon fiber frame translates to a lower overall payload and improved fuel efficiency. 

“At Layer, we believe good design should be accessible to all,” Layer founder Benjamin Hubert told Dezeen. “All too often, new concepts for flying are focused on innovation in business class.”

“We were excited to take on this project with Airbus to find ways to improve and add value to the economy class experience – for both the passenger and the airline.”