Layer has developed a smart textile for use in Airbus' economy class seating, which would allow passengers to monitor and control their seat conditions using their phone.
The seating concept, called Move, is designed to improve the experience of economy class on short to mid-haul flights.
Currently in the prototype stage, each chair is made up of a knitted, one-piece sling seat secured over a lightweight perforated composite frame.

These include prompting them to get up and move around the cabin to improve circulation, to do in-seat stretches or to stay hydrated.
Users can further customise their seat conditions via the app by selecting different modes such as "massage", "meal time" or "sleep".

The smart cover also has zones of differing density knit to offer different levels of support to the body. During the flight, the seat automatically adjusts itself based on the passenger's weight, size and movement by passing a current through the conductive yarn to change the seat tension.

Layer also addresses the issue of "legroom rage" caused by passengers unnecessarily reclining on shorter flights by fixing the position of the seat back. Instead of reclining, passengers can keep comfy by adjusting the settings of their smart seat.

On the back of each seat is a "central island" containing the tray table, an optional Inflight Entertainment System (IFE) and a small pocket for storage.
There is also laptop storage in between ...