Kohshi meets Fabricademy

My name is Kohshi Katoh working for Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. I am an engineer likes to think out of the box and combines several different fields into one. I love trail running, skiing, ice-hockey, and playing with my dog.

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Ultra Trail Mt.Fuji finishing

my family

I am currently developing a unique seat called "Kinetic Seat" which provides extreme head stabilization with its two axes allowing spine function. I have been considering the possibility of making this seat cushion as recyclable and hopefully bio-based. When I participated "Bio-based leather workshop" in FAB24 Mexico, I found Fabricademy. I am so excited to start Fabricademy journey. Let me explore the possibility of Fabric design, function, and locally manufacturable method. Let us make the world sustainable!

Lexus Kinetic Seat in Paris Motor Show 2016

My works

Motor Skiing

My first work in Toyota as a freshman was to develop new concept vehicle to participate Toyota Idea Expo the annual competition. I designed a vehicle that can be operated by body motion of skiing. Being as an ski instructor, I had an idea that vehicle controlled by "hip" the core of the body and the center of gravity must provide most engaging feel to the driver. Then together with several technician, I developed "Motor Skiing" and won the annual competition. This work had dramatically opened my field of activity.

FV2

This is an experimental vehicle concept that can be controlled by under body; hip, legs, feet, and core muscles by simulating horse back riding posture to stimulate our core muscles by driving. This concept was presented in Tokyo Motor Show in 2013.

Kinetic Seat

This is my current work in Toyota focusing to utilize human spine function for stabilizing head and enhancing brood circulation. For all vertebrates, head stabilization while moving is essential.

Our spine also has been developed to aim the target while running or walking as our ancestor chasing the prey. We found there is an important axis that simulates our spine function of head stabilization which goes through lumbar vertebrae towards front down. Given this axis, our spine works well to stabilize our head by it self.

This seat also helps reducing vehicle energy with breathable fabric and 3D-net in the cushion.

The mechanism of Kinetic Seat

How Kinetic Seat supports physically impaired driver