Jaguar Land Rover Fights Driver Fatigue With New Noise Cancellation Tech

To battle driver fatigue and keep the streets safer for everybody, Jaguar Land Rover’s line of updated Jaguar F-Pace, Jaguar XF, and Range Rover Velar will be equipped with new noise-cancelling technology to decrease undesirable road and tyre noise from the cabin for a more refined driving experience.

Created by a company called Silentium, the Active Road Noise Cancellation system utilises sensors on each wheel to constantly screen the vibrations from the street surface. The particular opposite phase sound wave is then calculated in real-time and radiated through the vehicles' Meridian sound system to eliminate the noise.

The system likewise screens the occupancy status in the cabin with the seat belt sensors, streamlining the performance of the noise cancellation sounds in the cabin for all occupants by altering the levels and position of the noise cancellation sounds.

Jaguar Land Rover says that the new noise-cancelling tech takes into consideration undesirable street sound – particularly those from potholes and harsh surfaces – to be "segregated and eliminated"; bringing down undesirable sound by 10 dB, and general noise levels by 3-4 dB – similar to turning down the in-vehicle sound system volume by four notches.

Citing studies, JLR says that a decrease in exposure to low-frequency noises (under 300 Hz) can help forestall driver fatigue during longer excursions. JLR adds that exhausted drivers on average have an increased response time of 16.72% compared to those who are fully alert.

The system is being launched under the Destination Zero banner, an initiative by the brand to make societies safer and healthier, and our environments cleaner. It strives to achieve zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion through innovative advancements like the Active Road Noise Cancellation system.

JLR says that an additional advantage of the noise cancellation system for its hybrid models is that it allows the powertrain to be "refined for lower CO2 emissions with no impact on driver experience".

“Active Road Noise Cancellation technology not only has the potential to improve road safety but also the wellbeing and quality of life for our customers,” said JLR Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Iley.

“In a post-coronavirus world, where a ‘new normal’ is emerging, we expect customer expectations of private transport to change. An extra focus will be placed on safe, clean mobility where personal space, wellbeing and hygiene carry a premium.”