Jan 7 2016
4moms®, a consumer technology company that applies robotics, technology, innovative design, and deep consumer insights to develop dramatically better products, announced today the launch of the new 4moms™ self-installing car seat.
4moms™ self-installing car seat (Photo: Business Wire)
Through robotics technology and advanced sensors, the 4moms self-installing car seat auto-levels, auto-tensions, and continuously monitors its status, giving parents the peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly during every car ride.
“When installed correctly, car seats save lives. Yet four out of five times they’re not, and there’s no easy way to check,” explained Rob Daley, CEO and co-founder of 4moms. “That’s a serious problem, and we believed it had to get better. We have developed a car seat that not only talks you through the installation process and verifies that the seat is installed correctly, it also continuously monitors the status of the seat. We’re solving a real problem, and giving parents peace of mind.”
Installation Process
The 4moms self-installing car seat guides parents through the installation process with both visual and voice commands. After the parent connects the car seat base to the vehicle’s LATCH anchors, the base automatically levels and tensions then provides confirmation that the base has been installed correctly. Every time the parent connects the carrier to the base they receive verbal and visual confirmation that the car seat is installed correctly and continuous monitoring is turned on. The seat will notify parents if anything is amiss, like a disconnected LATCH or loss of tension, and provide guidance on how to correct.
4moms App Integration
Parents are encouraged to download the 4moms app, which can be used to customize the installation process. The app enables the parent to use their smart device to ensure the car seat base is installed at the correct level, even if parked on an incline, which is critical during the installation process. The app uses the internal accelerometer and gyroscope in a smart device to calculate the incline. The app tells the base, which then compensates for this measured slope when auto-leveling. Most premium car seats on the market only have a gravity ball within the base, which require the parent to move their vehicle to level ground for a correct installation. The 4moms self-installing car seat app experience also includes a VIN capture, which enables it to recommend a specific seat position for installation based on the vehicle make and model.
The app features a verification dashboard that allows parents to view current seat status, providing confidence that the seat is installed correctly when in use. The app can also be used to track growth of the baby, which enables it to give reminders to check harness and head rest position and proactively alert parents to when their baby is outgrowing the seat.
Additional Features
The 4moms self-installing car seat includes all the features parents expect in a premium seat:
- A full coverage canopy complete with a peekaboo window and pop out shade for sun protection and added privacy.
- An 8-position adjustable headrest with no-rethread harness that is easy to adjust as the baby grows and ensures the harness is always threaded correctly.
- A 5-point harness system featuring harness pockets and a self-retracting buckle that make it easy to secure baby in the carrier.
- An infant insert to provide a proper fit for even the smallest babies (4-11lbs).
- Side impact protection that passes NHTSA’s proposed standard for side impact protection and features EPS foam and a deep foot well for added protection.
The 4moms self-installing car seat will be available at buybuyBABY, select specialty stores, and online in June 2016, with a retail price of $499.99.