The space invader bed that rolls you back on your side
FORD has invented a bed that automatically rolls selfish sleepers back to their side of the mattress when they stray on to the other half.
The carmaker has adapted the lane-centring assist technology used to ensure that drivers remain in the middle of their lane to develop a concept dubbed the lanecentring bed.
Pressure sensors detect when a person moves from one side of the bed to the other, and gently rolls them back to their side with the help of an integrated conveyor belt.
The bed remains a prototype, with no plans to put it on the market.
“When sleeping together, many couples each have less space than a small child has in a single bed,” said Dr Neil Stanley, a sleep researcher and author.
“Humans are most vulnerable when sleeping, so we’re programmed to wake when something or touches us unexpectedly.
“If someone moves on to your side of the bed, this defence mechanism will kick in and you’ll have a broken night, often while they continue to sleep soundly.
“I’ve seen it ruin relationships.” Anthony Ireson, Ford of Europe’s marketing communication director, said: “Lane-centring assist in our cars can make driving easier and more comfortable.
“We thought that showing how similar thinking could be applied to a bed would be a great way to highlight to drivers a technology that they might not previously have been aware of.”
Recent research by the AA estimated that up to 25 per cent of fatal car accidents are caused by drivers who have fallen asleep at the wheel. someone