Technology: Sitting Pretty

It sounds like a cheap horror flick: you're sitting in this weird-looking chair when suddenly it grabs hold of your forearms and starts kneading them like cookie dough. Relax. Seriously. This is no nightmare. It's the Inada D.1, the ultimate in high-tech massage chairs.

Automatic massage devices tend to shake you until you're numb. The D.1 ($4,900) is more sophisticated than that. It uses a system of computer-controlled rollers that firmly and methodically press into your back. While that mechanism lulls you into bliss, inflatable air bags squeeze your hands, forearms, feet and calves to release tension and increase blood flow. Developed in Japan and coming to the U.S. next month (see inada-chair.com for store locations), the D.1 feels like a professional shiatsu massage, but with greater privacy and convenience.

When I sat down in the luxurious D.1, I was startled at first by the heavy-duty rollers--hidden beneath the chair's black leather exterior--that began slowly gliding up and down my back. A system of infrared sensors, meanwhile, was supposed to be taking my measure, scanning my body to identify pressure points, and creating a massage customized to my size and shape. At floor level, a touch-sensitive footrest adjusted itself so that my foot rub could begin.

As the rollers zeroed in on my shoulders, switching to a caressing and tapping motion, I started to enjoy it. The viselike grip of the air bags on my calves had me somewhat concerned, but realizing that resistance was futile, I finally let my left hand flop into the curved hand rest. Soon, pulsing air cushions were working their magic. With my free hand, I pushed a button that directed the chair to start in on my legs, hips and lower back. Ahh. That's it. Perfect. This nightmare was turning into a dream--until someone said, "Time's up!"