July 23, 2008

Rose-Hulman Ventures (RHV) played a key role in the software development for a company recently honored as a finalist for the Innovation of the Year Award at the TechPoint Mira Awards. RHV assisted Indianapolis-based Comfort Motion Technologies (CMT) by developing embedded software that used a CMT algorithm. Chris Meyer, a 2006 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology software engineering graduate, did the work the summer after he completed his undergraduate degree.

Robert Rea (back), a junior biomedical engineering major and Kyle Winterroud, a senior computer engineering major,  perform testing on the Comfort Motion seat application.

Comfort Motion Technologies develops software technology used in its Vehicle Seat Multi-Position software to enhance the ergonomic value and function of existing power seat applications for the transportation industry. Using proven, proprietary research and design based on the biomechanics of the human spine, CMT’s software reduces driver fatigue and improves driver comfort by automating subtle changes in the seat position and redistributing the driver’s weight thus relieving the pain caused by muscle fatigue and compression.

The TechPoint, Indiana’s premier initiative for growing Indiana’s technology-based economy, recognizes exceptional contributions of Indiana's most innovative and successful technology-driven organizations thorough its annual Mira Awards. 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.

Alan Rowley, senior vice president of commercialization at CMT said, “Chris was instrumental in our embedded system software development, systems development, circuit design and hardware layout.”

Comfort Motion Technologies is also the recipient of a grant from the Indiana 21^st Century Research and Technology Fund to further develop their software aimed at improving driver safety and comfort.

Meyer began working on the CMT project at Rose-Hulman Ventures the summer after earning his undergraduate degree in computer software engineering. Meyer said, “I had considerable responsibility in working directly with CMT. It was like working in the real world.”

The RHV experience was beneficial to Meyer in other ways. He explains, “While working at Rose-Hulman Ventures I was able to work on cross functional teams which also improved my teamwork abilities.  During interviews with several companies, my work at RHV provided me a vehicle to discuss my skills and capabilities.”

The results were also positive for CMT. The company offered Meyer a full-time engineering position because of his work on the project and his knowledge of the company’s best-practices and company culture. Meyer is currently pursuing a master’s degree in engineering management at Rose-Hulman.

“The CMT project has been a great success for all involved,” states Bill Kline, associate dean for professional experiences and director of the RHV program.  Kline adds, “The project brought us challenging and cutting-edge project work for our student interns and Chris found employment with the company as well.”