Nissan Motor Co. in two separate announcements said that it is developing two technologies that could help cut fatigue and prevent collisions.

‘Fatigue-free Seats’

What the automaker is calling “fatigue-free seats,” Nissan said it is developing seat technology with spinal support that maintains a “neutral posture.” This type of posture is what humans achieve in a weightless environment, the automaker said.

Using a seat simulator and a musculo-skeletal model for seating analysis, this joint research program between Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University and Nissan, looks to reduce weight loads while seated to the smallest amount on each muscular and spinal area. By reducing the load, a body’s blood flow is improved, which reduces fatigue over long drives, Nissan said.

You can see a video of the seat technology below:

‘Autonomous Emergency Steering System’

Nissan’s “Autonomous Emergency Steering System” technology can apply brakes and automatically steer in order to prevent a collision or to avoid objects.

Through sensor technology, Nissan’s on-board controls can automatically steer a vehicle away from a situation when braking alone is not sufficient. Sensors include one front-mounted radar and camera, two left and right rear radars, and five laser scanners attached around the vehicle.

When braking isn’t enough to avoid a collision, the vehicle checks for the best place to steer toward and then displays the best direction to the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond fast enough, the vehicle will automatically steer in that direction.