Making a significant statement at the imm cologne 2026 trade fair, the intelligent health technology brand VivaNova has officially unveiled its pioneering line of robotic health chairs, signaling a potential revolution in the ergonomic furniture industry. Backed by the considerable expertise of humanoid robotics innovator Lumos Robotics, VivaNova is directly challenging the established norms of workplace and home seating. The company’s debut is centered on a fundamental paradigm shift, aiming to transition the market away from the long-held standard of “passive support” and usher in a new era of “proactive care.” This innovative approach reimagines the common chair, transforming it from a static piece of furniture into an intelligent, responsive companion designed to actively monitor and enhance the user’s physical well-being. This vision seeks to redefine our interaction with everyday objects, embedding advanced technology to combat the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle and unlock greater human potential.
A New Paradigm in Ergonomic Design
At the very heart of VivaNova’s mission lies the sophisticated concept of “Active Health,” a philosophy driven by the direct application of a robot’s “Perception-Decision-Execution” closed-loop system into consumer health products. The brand posits that by freeing the human body from the pervasive physical strains of modern sedentary work, its technology can foster an environment where creativity and peak performance can flourish. This is not achieved through better cushioning or adjustable parts alone, but by integrating a suite of advanced technologies. The chairs leverage precision motor control, a network of multi-dimensional sensors, and highly adaptive AI algorithms to create a product that can intuitively understand the user’s body, anticipate its needs, and deliver personalized, proactive care. This systematic application of robotics principles aims to fundamentally alter the relationship between humans and their immediate environment, making wellness an automated, background process rather than a conscious effort.
The first tangible manifestation of this ambitious philosophy is the Viva Series, which was officially launched for the European market under the compelling mantra “Active, Not Passive.” This initial product line is meticulously engineered to counteract the well-documented negative health consequences of prolonged sitting through a trio of interconnected, robot-derived intelligent systems. The Viva chair is conceived not merely as a place to sit, but as a dynamic and active tool designed to prevent muscle stiffness, improve systemic circulation, and maintain physical vitality throughout the long hours of the workday. Its core innovation lies in the VivaMotion Intelligent Motion System, which draws from sophisticated robot motion control algorithms to generate continuous, subtle micro-movements. These movements are designed to prevent the circulatory stagnation associated with static postures. The system also features signature programs, including a 157° Zero-Gravity Mode that simulates weightlessness to relieve spinal pressure and a VivaStretch program that uses a synchronized mechanism to gently stretch the body.
From Intelligent Support to an AI Companion
The Viva Series further distinguishes itself through its comprehensive sensory and adaptive capabilities. The VivaRelief Intelligent Sensory System acts as the chair’s perceptual faculty, employing robotic environmental sensing logic to monitor the user’s physical state in real-time. It actively identifies areas of high load and muscular tension, delivering targeted, personalized relief through two primary methods: rhythmic vibration to massage tense muscles and precise graphene thermal care to apply soothing heat to specific areas. This creates a seamless cycle of active motion and restorative rest, maximizing energy recovery throughout the day. Complementing this is the VivaFit Adaptive Support System, which ensures a precise and personalized fit for a wide spectrum of body types, accommodating users from 150cm to 190cm. This system’s design is informed by a comprehensive Global Anthropometric Database, and its cornerstone is the innovative MagicArms technology, an armrest mechanism with a robotic-level, multi-dimensional adjustment capability that provides a secure, custom-molded fit for periods exceeding eight hours.
While the Viva Series represents a significant leap forward, VivaNova also used the platform to announce its next-generation product, the Nova Series, slated for a global release in June. Positioned as the world’s first AI-native smart chair, the Nova Series embodies a systemic evolution from an intelligent device to a true “Intelligent Companion.” It is engineered to fully realize the company’s vision of a completely autonomous, closed-loop system that anticipates and responds to the user’s needs without requiring any manual input or conscious interaction. The fundamental distinction of the Nova Series lies in its shift from a reactive to a proactive role. A comprehensive, multi-dimensional sensor array will continuously gather data, identifying the specific user, monitoring subtle postural shifts, and tracking key physiological indicators to detect fatigue trends before they become a problem. Advanced, robot-level AI algorithms will then process this real-time data to autonomously formulate and execute personalized intervention strategies, such as adjusting lumbar support, initiating guided movements, or triggering thermal care.
Vision for a Symbiotic Future
VivaNova’s debut at imm cologne garnered considerable interest and acclaim from a critical audience of designers, engineers, and high-end distributors from across Europe. The prevailing consensus among attendees was that the Viva Series successfully demonstrated that a “sedentary” experience no longer has to be a “static” one, a concept that fundamentally challenges the foundational assumptions of the ergonomic furniture industry for the past several decades. The company’s innovative presentation and tangible product demonstrations led to the successful establishment of preliminary partnership discussions with several prominent European home channels and health technology platforms, securing a strong initial foothold for its ambitious global expansion strategy. This positive reception confirmed that the market is ready for a more integrated and intelligent approach to personal wellness, where technology serves not just as a tool, but as a proactive partner in maintaining health. The event marked a pivotal moment for the brand, translating its advanced robotics-based vision into a commercially viable and highly anticipated product category.
