Kohshi Katoh¶

Kohshi in FABLABable

My name is Kohshi Katoh working for Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. I am an engineer likes to think out of the box and combines several different fields into one. I love trail running, skiing, ice-hockey, and playing with my dog.

My professional explanation¶

Kohshi Katoh is an engineer at Toyota Motor Corporation, dedicated to creating transformative mobility systems that awaken and enhance the body’s innate kinetic capabilities, delivering deeply engaging and immersive experiences. Through such innovations, he aims to make a meaningful impact on society. He is responsible for advanced technology and value development related to user experience. He is passionate about leveraging human kinetic motion to enhance the riding experience for both drivers and passengers. One of his earlier studies was applied to the Toyota FV2, a concept vehicle that is steered by the rider’s body lean and directional pressure applied through the legs. The FV2 was showcased at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, 2014 Geneva Motor Show. He has also developed the “Kinetic Seat”, featuring a movable hip and backrest designed to utilize the natural function of the human spine for improved body support and head stabilization. This concept was first presented as the “Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept” at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and more recently exhibited at the Toyota booth at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, as well as at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition & Forum in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Talked at FAB25 “Maker to Market session” about his “FABLAB.able Kinetic Seat” development through Fabricademy Program story.

My private activity¶

utmf_goal ! ketters
Ultra Trail Mt.Fuji finishing

my_family
My family

making_shakuhachi Making and playing Shakuuhashi (Bamboo made vertical flute)

My works¶

Motor Skiing¶

motor_skiing_logo sketch by Mr.Kitamura
Kohshi in Motor Skiing
My first work in Toyota as a freshman was the development of a new concept vehicle which I designed to participate Toyota’s annual event called “Idea Expo”. I named the vehicle “Motor Skiing” which can be operated by body motion of skiing. Being as an ski instructor, I had an idea that vehicle controlled by “hip” the core of the body and the center of gravity must provide most engaging feel to the driver. Then together with several technicians, I developed “Motor Skiing” and won the 1st prize at Toyota Idea Expo in 1994. This work had dramatically opened my field of activity, such as; Had a call to appear in RAI-Uno (Italian TV) as a guest, Got an official invitation from “GOODWOOD Festival of Speed” as a presenter to the crowd, etc.
Since then, “Human Physical Augmentation” is the theme of my technology development in my life.

FV2¶

This is an experimental vehicle concept that can be controlled by under body; hip, legs, feet, and core muscles by simulating horse back riding posture to stimulate our core muscles by driving. This concept was presented in Tokyo Motor Show in 2013.

Kinetic Seat¶

This is my current work in Toyota focusing to utilize human spine function for stabilizing head and enhancing brood circulation. For all vertebrates, head stabilization while moving is essential.

Our spine also has been developed to aim the target while running or walking as our ancestor chasing the prey. We found there is an important axis that simulates our spine function of head stabilization which goes through lumbar vertebrae towards front down. Given this axis, our spine works well to stabilize our head by it self.
spine axis of human at jogging

This seat also helps reducing vehicle energy with breathable fabric and 3D-net in the cushion.
kinetic_seat_Paris2016
Lexus Kinetic Seat in Paris Motor Show 2016

The mechanism of Kinetic Seat

How Kinetic Seat supports physically impaired driver