Jaguar Land Rover reduces driver fatigue with active noise cancellation

Jaguar Land Rover has detailed the advanced noise cancellation technology introduced on the Jaguar F-Pace, the Jaguar XF and the all-new Range Rover Velar. The system, called Active Road Noise Cancellation, uses Silentium’s Active Acoustics technology, which features sensors on each wheel. These sensors constantly monitor vibrations from the road surface and calculate the opposite-phase sound wave needed to cancel the noise heard by occupants. The system can also isolate and eliminate the sounds of potholes and rough surfaces.

This cancellation sound is played through the high-end Meridian sound system. The technology can also monitor which seats are occupied in order to optimise noise cancellation for all occupants. Jaguar Land Rover has noted that the technology can reduce unwanted noise peaks by 10 dB and overall noise levels by 3-4 dB, which helps reduce driver fatigue.

Active noise cancellation, a helping hand for drivers of the Jaguar Land Rover

The automotive group also wanted to add that “this significant reduction in exposure to low-frequency noise of up to 300Hz can help prevent driver fatigue on longer journeys.” “We are committed to creating a sanctuary for our customers, and this new technology allows us to eliminate unwanted noise from the cabin,” said Iain Suffield, specialist in advanced refinement technologies at Jaguar Land Rover. “It makes the experience calmer, improves passenger wellbeing and helps reduce cognitive load and therefore reaction times. This research is part of the journey towards Destination Zero.”

The active road noise cancellation system works together with engine noise cancellation in the new Jaguar F-Pace and the new Range Rover Velar with the P400e plug-in hybrid powertrain. Fatigue affects a driver’s ability to deal with hazards or unexpected situations. For example, the reaction time of a tired driver is 16.72% slower than that of a driver who remains fully alert. Reducing accidents and improving driver wellbeing are fundamental to Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero strategy, which aims to create a safer, healthier society with a cleaner environment through continuous innovation. Thanks to Silentium’s active acoustics technology, active road noise cancellation uses sensors located on each wheel to constantly monitor vibrations from the road surface and calculates the opposite part of the sound wave needed to eliminate the noise passengers might perceive.

This real-time control makes it possible to isolate and eliminate unexpected noise from potholes or uneven surfaces. Dr Steve Iley, Chief Medical Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, added that “active road noise cancellation technology not only has the potential to increase road safety, but can also improve the wellbeing and quality of life of our customers. In the post-coronavirus world, as the ‘new normal’ takes shape, customers’ expectations of private transport are likely to change. Safe and clean mobility solutions, where personal space and hygiene are key, will be more important than ever.”