Bose Corp. has opened its first five Bose Ride system installation sites across the country, allowing individual owner-operators and small fleets to purchase the Bose Ride system. First introduced in January, the Bose Ride system replaces a conventional air-ride truck seat with a Bose suspension base and an integrated, custom-designed seat top. It provides over-the-road truckers with an unprecedented level of protection from road-induced shocks and vibration.
The authorized installation centers are located in Southborough, Mass.; Detroit, Mich.; Crossville, Tenn.; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix Ariz.
“Over-the-road drivers spend up to 11 hours a day in their trucks, withstanding a ride much worse than that of a passenger car,” said Mike Rosen, chief engineer and general manager, Bose Ride. “In our trials, drivers told us that this punishing ride dramatically impacts them – both in the truck, and at home. We’re excited to offer the Bose Ride system to professional drivers who want to improve their quality of life.”
The Bose Ride system was engineered to reduce a truck driver’s exposure to the damaging effects of whole-body vibration, the maker said. Leveraging its prior research into automotive suspension systems, Bose began research on trucking applications in 1994. This initiative led to a technological breakthrough for heavy-duty trucks: the Bose Ride system continuously senses, analyzes and counteracts forces from the road, the company added.
The system features:
• A high-power linear electromagnetic actuator, capable of counteracting the forces caused by road disturbances
• A regenerative power system, powerful enough to energize the actuator to precisely position a truck driver, yet so efficient it draws less average power than a 50-watt light bulb
• Sensors and proprietary Bose control algorithms working together to counteract road disturbances before they reach the driver
• An integrated, custom-designed seat top
The Bose Ride system is compatible with most makes and models of U.S.-manufactured heavy-duty trucks using the existing seat bolts, air line and a 12V power line that connects to the truck’s battery, the company said. It is now available for a retail price of $5,995.
