Alan Rowley, Senior Vice President of Marketing for CMT, attended the Purdue College of Technology - Anderson/Muncie Scholarship Awards program. Through a rigorous application process, students from this campus are screened by the Purdue facility and six $1000 dollar scholarships are awarded. The funds for the scholarships are donated by various companies of Central Indiana.

The CMT sponsored scholarship went to Brittney Wiloit of Anderson, Indiana. Brittney graduated from Anderson High School and is a freshman majoring in Industrial Technology. Brittney was accepted at Purdue's West Lafayette campus, but after seeing the Anderson Campus and facilities, she decided to stay locally and work while she attended school.

Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, stated, "CMT has a philosophy of supporting higher education. The Purdue College of Technology - Anderson/Muncie campus is a wonderful facility that provides students a cost-effective educational opportunity."
Go to Purdue University College of Technology Website

From an article written by “Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science” (DBIS), in conjunction with the American Institute of Physics.

Comfy Car Seats
After sitting in a car for long periods of time, your car seat can become your worst enemy, causing so much discomfort that you can't wait for the trip to end. A new kind of car seat is designed to put comfort back in your ride. Alan Rowley is used to driving for long hours, but long road trips turn painful. "Say, 30 minutes into my trip, the lower part of my back starts to hurt," Rowley told Ivanhoe.

Like many drivers, he does what he can to relieve the pain. "I fidget a lot in the car from side to side to try and get more comfort," Rowley said. Most driver fatigue is caused by the seat. Long road trips put constant pressure on the lower back and hips, causing pain. Adjusting the seat or moving around helps, but pain relief is only temporary.

The system can be integrated into existing power seats. Tests show the high-tech seats had a 45 percent increase in comfort -- something Rowley could really use. "I'd like to have a seat that was ergonomically correct and designed for me," he said. It's personalized design for a relaxing ride. Comfort Motion Technologies hopes to have the seat technology available for 2011 model cars. The system is turned on and off by the driver.
Read a PDF about Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science TV

Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, and Tom Epply Senior Vice President of Engineering for CMT, attended the 2009 International Workshop on Research in Active Safety Technology. The event was sponsored by TASI (Transportation Active Safety Institute), and the conference was held at IUPUI, Indianapolis.

Dr. Phipps stated, "One of the major issues the conference addressed was accident benefit analysis and using the many automotive smart systems prior to the accident not after the accident." Tom Epply further noted, "Fusing data from multiple interior sensors to get a better sense of what the driver is doing before something happens is extremely important."

Dr. Phipps presented on "Active Seat Research" as it relates to Comfort Motion Technology software. He covered the review of Ball State CMT testing for increased comfort and blood flow to the lower extremities. CMT provides all this and more to vehicle occupants.

On July 7th, the Venture Club of Indiana partnered with the Purdue Research Foundation and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to host the first ever Indiana Innovation Showcase at the new Purdue Technology Center in Indianapolis. CMT attended and displayed at this gathering of some of Indiana's most innovative companies. The event was a huge success with over 250 people attending from the entrepreneurial, business and investment communities.

The event began at 2 p.m. with presentations by Joe Hornett, Purdue Research Foundation Executive Director; Faraz Abbasi, Venture Club President; and Steve Hourigan, 21 Fund Director. The special keynote speaker was Dr. Gary Anderson, a nationally respected venture capitalist and founding managing partner of TL Ventures, a $1 Billion Fund in Philadelphia. Dr. Anderson is now retired from the venture capital business, but continues to advise entrepreneurs and investment funds around the United States. He was outstanding and discussed raising money and building a company in a down economy.

From 3-5 p.m. the forty companies, including Comfort Motion Technologies, manned offices and labs all around the 40,000 square foot Technology Center for one-on-one and group discussions about their innovative products, company vision, market opportunity, capital needs and other resources they need for success.

Alan Rowley, Senior Vice President of Marketing for CMT stated, "Events like this are extremely important for companies like CMT. We meet so many great contacts and find many new potentialpartnering opportunities. It was a real pleasure to talk to Dr. Anderson and demonstrate CMT's software technology. He gave us great advice and feedback." Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, alsostated, "John Hanak, Statewide Director, Purdue Technology Centers, and his staff did an excellent job of putting this event together and should be proud of their efforts. It's events like this that will help companies like CMT to be very successful in the future."

Tom Epply, Senior Vice President of Engineering for CMT, conducted a Value Stream Mapping seminar at The Flagship Enterprise Center in Anderson, Indiana. Tom is a noted expert on the Principles of Lean and has published the book The Lean Manufacturing Handbook.

Using examples from the seminar participants, Tom showed how to create a "map" which is a picture of the entire work flow of processes from beginning to end. Once this map is created, it can be used to identify areas of inefficiency and waste. Improvements can then be made to the processes that will increase productivity, reduce expenses, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction for their organizations. Tom reminded participants of a quote from Aristotle, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Award ceremonies were held at the Westin Hotel in Indianapolis Indiana on Saturday, May 16. Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, stated, “We are tremendously honored to be a finalist for the 2009 Mira Award for Innovation. Our team has worked extremely hard on taking CMT technology to the next level this year, and we are not done yet.” Al Rowley, Senior Vice President of Marketing stated, “CMT is starting to look at expanding applications outside of the automotive industry, for instance, over the road truck seating, first class seats for the airline industry, and the electric wheelchair market. Applications for CMT technology are almost unlimited. Who knows you may see CMT technology in a Lazy Boy recliner someday.”

The Mira Awards identify the most innovative and successful firms in information technology, as well as technology-focused companies in industries like advanced manufacturing, logistics, and the life sciences. Says TechPoint President and CEO Jim Jay, “If a company wins a TechPoint Mira Award, you can expect to see them grow and prosper in the years to follow. We’re proud to help up-and-coming tech companies get the attention they deserve, as well as celebrating our established technology powerhouses that continue to innovate and grow.”

TechPoint is eager to spread the word about the exceptional accomplishments of Indiana's tech sector.
Read a PDF of the Flagship Center Press Release
Go to and View the Opening Video for the TechPoint Mira Awards
Go to TechPoint Mira Awards Website

Comfort Motion Technologies has been nominated for the prestigious TechPoint Mira Award in the category of “Innovation of The Year.” This nomination is the company’s second in two years. The Innovation Category recognizes products that are truly unique and provide a special benefit to potential customers.

Alan Rowley, Senior Vice President of Marketing for CMT stated, “The entire Comfort Motion team is extremely proud to be included in this year’s award list. We have worked extremely hard on improving our business model over this past year. We feel very optimistic about our future.” Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, stated, “We also owe a lot to our partners at the Flagship Enterprise Center. Chuck Staley, President and CEO of the Flagship Center, has given CMT much needed support over the past year.”

Now in its 10th year, the 2009 TechPoint Mira Awards represent the top technology businesses, business professionals and educators in the state of Indiana. Four independent panels of judges chose 63 finalists from a record number of nominations in 11 categories this year.

According to Jim Jay, president and CEO of TechPoint, "The Mira Awards recognize the achievements of some outstanding performers and contributors, and it's also a great way to focus attention on the broader issue of the important role technology plays in our state's economy."

The 2009 winners will be announced at an “Oscars-style” award ceremony being held Sat., May 16 at The Westin Indianapolis. TechPoint will also honor the past Mira Awards winners and finalists attending the ceremony.
Go to TechPoint Mira Awards Website
Read a PDF of the Flagship Center Press Release

Comfort Motion Technologies has been recognized by the Purdue University College of Technology, Anderson / Muncie for supporting their scholarship program for the past two years.

These scholarships make a degree from Purdue University possible for many students from the area and benefit the students in many ways. Dr. Paul Phipps states, “Comfort Motion Technologies is very proud of its association with Purdue University College of Technology Anderson / Muncie.”
Go to Purdue University College of Technology Website

Dr. Paul Phipps, a 1985 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, returned to the school to address this year’s senior class. His talk focused on the different paths a career in Chiropractic can take.

Dr. Phipps' career was traditional in nature to start, but as his love for the sports side of Chiropractic developed, he became more creative in his approach. He worked with some of the best sports trainers in the Indianapolis area, the Indiana Pacers and high profile business professionals. He used word of mouth and creative ideas to build his reputation and practice. Dr. Phipps stated, “All Chiropractors are problem solvers and having new creative ideas to solve problems comes as a matter of course while helping patients."

Dr. Phipps took students through several examples of how he created new opportunities for himself outside his standard practice. These examples included the invention of Stretchhorse and Comfort Motion Technologies. Stretchhorse was created to help weekend type and serious athletes warm up correctly before participation in golf, running and other types of exercise. Stretchhorse has been presented to the PGA and First Tee programs. Comfort Motion Technologies' Vehicle Seat Multi-Position Software for power seat platforms automatically changes the driver’s seat position eliminating lower back fatigue and discomfort so that they arrive at their destination relaxed and refreshed. Dr. Phipps stressed that if you have a good idea, pursue it. Follow your dreams. He then concluded the time fielding many great questions from the students.

Founded in 1935, Logan College of Chiropractic is a not-for-profit college that will celebrate its 74th year of operation in 2009. It is one of the largest chiropractic colleges or universities in North America. Logan offers its students a demanding curriculum, taught by highly qualified faculty, and state-of-the-art educational and learning facilities.
Go to the Logan College of Chiropractic Website

Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, and Christopher Meyers, CMT Product Engineer, were guest lecturers at Purdue’s College of Technology, Anderson and Muncie. Dr. Phipps and Chris addressed students taking a course titled “IT 385 Industrial Ergonomics,” a course focused on introducing the terminology and techniques used in work design and on the fundamental concepts embodied in industrial ergonomics. Satellite locations were included by a teleconference feed.

Dr. Phipps addressed the ergonomic, biomechanics and anthropometry aspects of the human body. He took the students through concept initiation (how the CMT idea came about), as a part of the CMT commercialization process. Dr. Phipps demonstrated how static automotive seats lead to tissue fatigue and driver discomfort driver. He noted that even today’s best automotive seats can cause these lower back issues if the driver stays in one position too long. CMT is the only solution that automatically redistributes the driver's weight over time. Chris covered the CMT patented software technology and how it automatically provides safe and subtle movements to the driver's seat over time. CMT maintains driver safety and improves comfort.

Based in Anderson, Indiana, Comfort Motion Technologies' mission is "Enhancing People's Lifestyles Through Innovative Technology."
Go to Purdue University College of Technology Website

Todd Higgins, Director of Logistics for Comfort Motion Technologies, will graduate from The Leadership Academy of Madison County during a dinner held at the Anderson Country Club on Thursday, Feb. 5.

The Academy provides programming that energizes and excites the participants. Graduates infuse the Madison County area with new ideas, vision and commitment to the community. Todd said, “This year's class worked together to learn and apply the skills of consensus building, collaboration and visioning.” Todd found his experience very rewarding and will put his newly learned skills to work for CMT.

TASI Research Seminar – Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni, Professor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and Director of Center for Automotive Research, The Ohio State University, was the guest lecturer at the January 9th, 2009 TASI (Transportation Active Safety Institute) seminar. Dr. Paul Phipps, President of CMT, and Tom Epply, Senior VP Engineering CMT, attended the recent TASI seminar in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Prof. Rizzoni stated, "Climate change is a reality. Simultaneously, resources we are accustomed to having readily available to meet our energy needs are diminishing, becoming more costly, and contributing to climate change and/or other adverse environmental consequences. As discussed in this presentation, the relationship between energy supplies and transportation demands clearly shows that a major mismatch between needs and resources is imminent. Predictions of the world's petroleum supplies and the primary dependence of transportation systems on petroleum show that there will be a substantial reduction of these supplies in the future unless major changes in transportation and energy market and policy take place.

There is perhaps no better symbol of the twentieth century than the automobile..."
View a PDF of Dr. Rizzoni's Seminar Abstract from TASI

Tom Epply also reports that many new opportunities exist for new hybrid/electric vehicles in an area referred to as BRICK. BRICK refers to the following countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Korea. These countries offer vast potential for expansion of these technologies and will certainly have a sufficient impact in our overall energy consumption.

In fact, poor back support in car seats is one of the top issues facing drivers today, a fact that became apparent to chiropractor Paul Phipps while treating patients at his Indianapolis practice.
Go to the Herald Bulletin.com Website Full Article

Purdue’s College of Technology began offering AAS degrees in MET at Richmond and EET at Kokomo in 1968. In 1981, the Governor’s office formally created Purdue Statewide Technology providing access to the college’s degree programs at 11 locations across Indiana. Programs offered at each location are in direct response to area workforce demands.

Today this program provides a Purdue technology education to nearly 1,400 students who prefer/need to pursue their education close to home. Graduates from the locations have a 97 percent job placement rate and 82 percent continue to reside and work in local Indiana communities.

As new technology-centered businesses have entered local communities across the state, they require employees with an even greater cross-section of skills. Purdue has anticipated and responded to these changing requirements through a newly proposed bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.
Read a PDF of the Full Press Release

Dr. Paul Phipps, President of Comfort Motion Technologies, and Alan Rowley, Senior Vice President Marketing of Comfort Motion Technologies, attended the “Getting Your Product to the World” seminar conducted by Barnes & Thornburg LLP. The critical issues discussed were:

– Methods of product distribution
– Protection of trade secrets
– International distribution methods
– Antitrust issues
– Trademark and domain name protection
– Covenants not to compete

Subject matter experts from Barnes & Thornburg addressed each of the above topics and answered pertinent questions. Dr Paul Phipps stated that the information CMT receives from these types of programs is invaluable to a new company like CMT. He further stated that CMT faces many of these issues as it looks to expand its presence globally.
Read a PDF of the Press Release

Over the past four decades, the number of injuries and fatalities per traveled mile has decreased significantly. However, over the past two decades these numbers have leveled off, indicating that new approaches will be needed in order to achieve additional reductions. Thus automotive suppliers have begun developing active safety products, whose goal is to prevent or mitigate crashes, as opposed to passive safety products like seat belts and airbags that provide protection only in a crash. TASI has been formed to assist the automotive industry in these areas.

TASI’s purpose is to accelerate the development and introduction of active safety products into the market to help enhance vehicle safety and reduce automotive related fatalities, injuries and property damage. The 2005 economic cost of motor vehicle traffic crashes in the US was $280 billion dollars. The projected Active Safety Market revenue for 2010 is estimated at $2 billion dollars.
Read a PDF of the Full Press Release

CMT demonstrated its Vehicle Seat Multi-Position Software technology at the Florida Chiropractic National Convention and Expo. Held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, August 21st - 24th, the convention and expo is the single largest chiropractic association gathering in the country with over 2,600 doctors and other related fields of expertise in attendance.

Demonstrated in a red 2008 Cadillac CTS, CMT attended the expo to gain valuable feedback from the doctors on its software technology. The response to CMT's technology was overwhelmingly positive. Several doctors referred to CMT's technology as a “Best of Show Product” and stated they would recommend it to their patients with lower back issues. Dr. Paul Phipps, President of Comfort Motion Technologies, stated, “It is very heartening to see the chiropractic industry's positive response to our Vehicle Seat Multi-Position Software."

CMT's Vehicle Seat Multi-Position Software enhances the ergonomic value and function of existing power seat applications and automates subtle changes in the seat position, redistributing the occupant’s weight. This reduces the occupants stress load and relieves the pain caused by muscle fatigue and compression.

Based in Anderson, Indiana, Comfort Motion Technologies' mission is “Enhancing People's Lifestyles Through Innovative Technology.”
Download a PDF of News Story and Pictures

Patent Abstract
A vehicle seating system can be used within a variety of vehicles to reduce positional fatigue and other effects of long distance traveling. Such a system includes a typical vehicle seat mountable in a vehicle, at least two powered seat adjustment actuators, and an electrical controller. The actuators are moveable to alter the seating position formed by the seat, thereby reducing fatigue experienced by a vehicle traveler.

Alan Rowley, senior vice president of commercialization with CMT, states, “Chris was instrumental in our embedded system software development, systems development, circuit design and hardware layout.”
Go to Rose-Hulman Ventures News Full Article

The TechPoint Mira Awards recognize exceptional contributions to Indiana's technology-based economy. Each nominee, finalist, and winner has accelerated the state's economy, focused global attention on Indiana and, most importantly, improved the quality of life for Hoosiers. The TechPoint Mira Awards highlight the accomplishments of Indiana's most innovative and successful technology-driven organizations. The Mira Awards is the largest technology awards ceremony in the state, growing in scope and attendance each year since its inception.

“Comfort Motion Technologies is pleased to have been chosen as one of the five finalists for the Innovation Award of the Year Award. We look forward to building on this exceptional experience as we go toward commercializing our software technology.”
Read a PDF of Press Release
Go to TechPoint Website

May 13, 2008
Dr. Paul Phipps Discusses Benefits of CMT Technology with TASI
Dr. Paul Phipps recently discussed the benefits of CMT technology with the leadership group of The Transportation Activity Safety Institute (TASI).
TASI's mission is to advance the use of active safety systems to reduce vehicle crashes and save lives.
Go to TASI Website

April 28, 2008
Creating The Perfect Fit: New Car Seat Design
Trying To Please All if the People, All of the Time
Read a PDF of Press Release
Go to Edmunds Article

February 21, 2008
Comfort Motion Technologies is Corporate Partner for Purdue University College of Technology at Anderson

View a PDF of the COT Poster

January 16, 2008
CMT Receives Grant from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund
Anderson, Ind. – Comfort Motion LLC, a software research and design firm located in the Flagship Enterprise Center, announced it received a grant from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund to further develop its software that is aimed at improving driver safety and comfort.
Read a PDF of Press Release

Go to InsideIndianaBusiness.com Report
Go to Indiana Economic Development Corporation Press Release

January 10, 2008
Christopher Meyer and Todd Higgins Join Comfort Motion Technologies

Christopher Meyer is a recent graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology (Terre Haute, Indiana). Christopher has a BS in Computer Engineering and is pursuing an advanced degree in Engineering Management, MS. His skills include embedded system software development, systems development and circuit design and hardware layout. Christopher's position is Product Engineer. His focus will be on the technical advancement and application of all Comfort Motion Technologies.
Go to Rose-Hulman Ventures News Full Article

Todd Higgins is a graduate of Indiana State University. He holds a BS degree in Communications, specializing in organization communication and communication law. He has an extensive merchandising background. Todd's most recent experience was with STRETCHHORSE whose products are designed to improve performance and health through increased flexibility. At Comfort Motion, Todd's position is Director of Logistics. He will be responsible for overseeing Comfort Motion's physical operations, customer services and satisfaction.

November 30, 2007
Comfort Motion Technologies Showcased at Technology Park Open House

Read a PDF of the article from The Herald Bulletin

November 20, 2007
CMT President is Guest Speaker for Purdue University Class
Anderson, Ind. – Dr. Paul B. Phipps, the president of Comfort Motion Technologies (CMT), was recently featured as the guest speaker of a Purdue Industrial Ergonomics class.  Using CMT’s weight redistributive technology to illustrate his point, Phipps spoke about the ergonomics of sitting and the biomechanics of the human spine.
Read a PDF of Press Release

October 2007
CMT is Indiana Venture Idol Top 20 Contestant
Venture Idol is a unique, exciting competition that enables young entrepreneurial companies to compete for a $10,000 grand prize – plus the chance to showcase their innovation, market opportunity, and passion before a live audience of the region’s leading Angels, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Go to Venture Idol Website