US furniture manufacturer KI has won the highest honor at the 2026 Best of NeoCon Awards for its new Cognetic Technology seating platform.
The company received the Best of Competition award—the top prize in the annual commercial interiors competition—ahead of 273 other product entries from 97 exhibitors at the Chicago trade show.
According to the judges, Cognetic Technology stood out for its intuitive design and ability to support natural movement while seated. The patented system uses a gravity-powered, multi-axis motion mechanism that responds to subtle body movements, creating what KI describes as a more fluid sitting experience than conventional task seating.
The technology has made its commercial debut in KI’s new Kiaura seating collection, which includes task, conference and lounge chairs as well as complementary tables and ottomans. The products were unveiled during Chicago Design Days, held alongside NeoCon this week.
Designed by industrial designer Aaron DeJule, Cognetic Technology was developed following his efforts to create a chair that worked more naturally with the body’s movements. KI says the system moves beyond traditional ergonomic seating concepts by encouraging continuous movement rather than static positioning.
The company has positioned the launch as the start of a new ‘human performance seating’ category, combining movement, comfort and cognitive well-being. Early studies commissioned by KI indicated potential benefits including reduced anxiety, improved cognitive processing and lower levels of back and pelvic discomfort during prolonged periods of sitting.
Commenting on the award, Best of NeoCon judges said the technology “moves with your body and how you want to move,” creating a more dynamic and comfortable seating experience.
Founded in Green Bay, Wisconsin, KI supplies furniture to the education, healthcare, government and corporate sectors.
This story was originally published as premium content by our sister publication OPI.
For more business news and in-depth analysis on the global business products industry subscribe here.