## 1 Introduction  
Driver comfort has become a critical priority in the automotive industry, evolving from a secondary consideration to an essential feature in an increasingly competitive market [1]. Recognizing that comfort enhances overall safety, vehicle manufacturers now prioritize increasing physical comfort to sustain driver focus [1]. This emphasis is especially significant for long-distance driving, where maintaining concentration is vital for safe operation. As demand for comfortable vehicles grows, the industry is driven to develop innovations that address driver's comfort and safety. Inadequate comfort can play a significant role in contributing to fatigue, which, in turn, compromises road safety and elevates the likelihood of accidents [2]. Research indicates reduced comfort can rapidly lead to fatigue, impairing driver alertness and reaction times. Fatigue-related accidents represent a major global issue, with fatigued drivers being three times more likely to be involved in a car accident [2]. In the United States, drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 328,000 accidents each year, leading to 109,000 injuries and 6400 fatalities [2]. Between 2017 and 2021, drowsy driving was linked to over 17% of fatal accidents [2]. These statistics underscore the urgent need to enhance comfort as a means to mitigate both driver fatigue and the cumulative stress that contributes to MSDs. Drivers who spend extended periods seated are at increased risk for developing MSDs, a major concern related to automotive seating. Long-term drivers, who experience continuous stress on the spine, muscles, and joints, are particularly vulnerable [3; 4; 5; 6]. Research reveals that individuals who drive more than 20 h per week report almost six times higher incidences of lower back pain due to MSDs than those who drive less than 10 h per week [3; 4]. Additionally, prolonged sitting while driving has been closely linked to the prevalence of MSDs among drivers [5; 7]. Studies found that long-term drivers experience a 61.75% prevalence of MSDs, with the upper body being the most affected area [6]. Addressing these health implications is essential for enhancing a driver's well-being and productivity. The driver's seat is a crucial component of any vehicle, with modern designs incorporating features like lumbar support, massage functions, and active seat systems to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during long journeys [8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13]. Research has shown that lumbar support systems effectively alleviate lower back strain and improve posture during extended driving, and they have been found to reduce the prevalence of lower back pain among drivers [8; 10]. Additionally, lumbar support systems have decreased the prevalence of lower back pain among drivers. However, drivers who depend on these supports may reduce body movement and neglect regular breaks to walk or stretch, further exacerbating the risk of muscular weakening. Massage seats further enhance driver comfort by utilizing dynamic pressure points that stimulate blood flow and alleviate muscle tension. Mechanical massage systems integrated into seats effectively reduce muscle tension and alleviate lower back pain through vibrations [9; 14]. However, these systems have limitations; while they effectively increase short-term comfort and muscle tension, their impact on long-term fatigue is less well-documented. Another innovation, active seat systems, introduce subtle movements to prevent static posture and have shown promise in reducing driver fatigue [11; 12]. Research on seat suspension systems suggests that they can improve ride comfort by actively counteracting vehicle vibrations. However, active systems also come with limitations, including increased complexity, potential distractions or safety risks, potential maintenance challenges, and the possibility of reduced comfort for certain users [11].