This study proposes a new intelligent bedding system (IBS) that actively controls a supporting condition of human body. The IBS provides an appropriate body support condition for individuals during sleep. The IBS is an integrated system composed of two main components: an active mattress and a controller with simulator of body support condition. The active mattress consists of multiple flexible actuators driven by fluid power. The simulator in the controller (body simulator) calculates the current and comfortable supporting condition for feedback control. The active mattress realized adaptive transform according to the load condition. In terms of the simulator, we built a mathematical human model and confirmed the validity. We also demonstrated an automatic control of a head posture based on the center of gravity as a part of the IBS.

intelligent bedding system, flexible actuators, human model, automatic control.