The joy associated with fireworks ushering in the New Year isn’t shared by everyone… particularly dogs and their owners.
The excessive noise and weird vibrations given off by festive pyrotechnics cause high levels of fear and stress in dogs of all shapes and sizes, which can cause them to panic and run away. That’s not such a happy new year.
So Ford has designed a kennel that features noise-cancelling technology similar to that used in the Endura SUV, which has just launched in Australia.
Like noise-cancelling headphones, the system uses microphones that pick up high levels of noise from the Endura’s engine or transmission, which is counteracted using opposing sound waves from the car’s audio system.
The canine-loving boffins at Ford of Europe used the technology to build a prototype kennel that uses a microphone to detect the sound of the fireworks or thunder, while a built-in audio system emits opposing frequencies that, in effect, cancels out the noise completely – or at least reduces it significantly not to bother your pooch. The kennel is also lined with high-density cork sound proofing.
While it’s a concept for now, the noise-cancelling kennel is the first in a series of Ford initiatives – called Interventions – that applies the motoring giant’s automotive know-how to help solve everyday problems.
What else would you like to see Ford’s engineers develop? Self-watering plants? Kids that entertain themselves during the holidays? Let us know below!
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