Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has introduced an innovative testing system designed to ensure the long-term durability and comfort of its luxury vehicle seats. The company employs four highly specialized robots, known as KUKA Occubots, to replicate what amounts to ten years of intense seat usage in just a matter of days.
These robotic testers simulate human actions—sitting, twisting, and sliding—applying forces of up to 800 Newtons (roughly 82 kilograms) to each seat. Over the course of five days, each robot completes 25,000 pressure cycles, meticulously evaluating how seat materials and structures endure prolonged wear.
Beyond testing overall resilience, the Occubots also assess the longevity of heated seats. In a 25-day simulation, they perform 20,000 usage cycles while exerting forces between 350 and 700 Newtons, ensuring that the heating systems retain their functionality over time.
Equipped with sophisticated monitoring technology, the robots measure torque hundreds of times per second to maintain consistency across each test. An additional camera periodically captures images, enabling autonomous and ongoing analysis to identify signs of wear or potential defects.
Thomas Müller, JLR’s Executive Director of Product Engineering, emphasizes the crucial role of comfort in the customer experience. “Sitting in the seat is one of the first interactions a customer has with our vehicles. Comfort is essential to luxury—making it a defining moment for our clients.”
This initiative is part of JLR’s comprehensive component testing program, which blends virtual and physical testing environments to ensure that every Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar delivers a premium driving experience grounded in safety, reliability, and comfort.
Through the use of KUKA Occubots, JLR reinforces its commitment to excellence, guaranteeing that each seat provides superior comfort throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.
Automating a process can radically transform your production. At URT, we offer not only high-quality refurbished robots but also personalized technical consulting to support you at every stage of the journey. Contact us today and discover how automation can take your business into the future.