Many people from here are familiar with massage chairs.
Perhaps you have been strolling through the mall have come across a store that offers these mechanical masseuses.
Just from looking at a massage chair, it is not obvious all the technology which is incorporated into it.
There are a variety of different pneumatic and mechanical systems controlled by a computer that provide you with an amazing array of massage techniques.
Here is some of the technology behind a robotic massage chair.
All massage chairs come with a remote control.
The remote control is typically hardwired to the recliner.
A number of function buttons and possibly an LCD are used to display features currently in operation.
The remote control comes with automatic massage programs as well as manual techniques.
The automatic programs are full body and provide you with pre-programmed massage treatments.
Manual massages our individual techniques which can be used for relief of particular areas.
There are a number of different designs for the roller mechanism which targets your back, neck and shoulders.
These roller designs consist of two, four and six rollers.
Each roller acts as a massaging surface to stretch and elongate muscle tissue.
The roller designs are done in such a way as to mimic different types of massage movements.
Most back rollers can perform kneading, tapping, rolling and a combination of kneading and tapping.
This gives you a variety of manual massage techniques.
Some roller mechanisms can move in two dimensions.
More advanced roller designs can move in three dimensions.
Rather than just moving up and down your back, these advanced roller designs can penetrate deeper into the back for greater relief.
Measuring the person's body in the chair is an important way to customize the massage.
Many recliners use a body scan to locate key points of the body.
Some of these body scans locate the neck and shoulders while creating a virtual map of your back.
Other advanced sensors are used to determine your position in the chair.
One such technology is the body position sensor.
This sensor can detect if you move in the chair and what your new location is.
This information is then fed to the computer which redirects the rollers based on where you now are in the recliner.
Air compression systems are very popular in most massage chairs.
This system uses a pump and a manifold of solenoid valves to switch the air to different airbags throughout the chair.
Airbags are contoured to the shape of the muscles and body parts that they will massage.
Stretching systems are being integrated into massage chairs as well.
These systems are used in conjunction with the air compression system.
The air system will inflate to hold parts of the body while other parts of the chair move to stretch out the upper body or lower body.
MP3 music players are another feature commonly found in these advanced recliners.
Music is a universal way to relax the mind.
Music is one of the best ways to get a more thorough and comprehensive massage.
Most recliners come with headphones so that you will not have distractions from outside sources.
These are just a few of the technologies being integrated into today's advanced recliners.
Robotic massage chairs continue to evolve rapidly with the pace of technology.
Many massage programs provide very soothing and relieving massage thanks to these advanced systems.
These robotic massage chairs are a great way to get massage treatments on demand.