Continental’s Revolutionary ‘Activated Sound’ Tech: Speakers Transform into Displays!

For the first time in the automotive sector, Continental has introduced an “Integrated Audio Display” that merges speakers with vehicle screens. This cutting-edge technology transforms the display panel into a sound emitter, enabling voice responses, directions, and additional audio information to be played directly from the screen without needing extra speakers. An actuator attached behind the display facilitates this process by inducing audible vibrations in the glass surface, thereby enhancing the overall user interaction significantly.

People can instinctively determine the source of sounds in a 3D environment, causing them to automatically pivot towards the noise. This feature provides a significant benefit for automotive tech since, whenever audio material such as vocal responses or directions are played, drivers might unconsciously focus their attention directly at the dashboard displays.

Additionally, the display surface functions effectively as a soundbox due to its distinctive design and materials. This configuration enhances multiple aspects including internal damping, material rigidity, and surface mass under vibrational influence, resulting in superior acoustics. The “activated sound” technology from Continental offers several benefits. Its compact form factor measures only a few centimeters, occupying minimal space when incorporated within the display module. By assuming the role traditionally played by speakers’ soundboards, this innovation minimizes both the number and size requirements typically associated with conventional audio systems. Consequently, it streamlines the vehicle manufacturing process by saving time and lowering costs.

This technology excels because it can be fitted onto nearly every flat interior section within a car, including the dashboard. By adding more actuators to areas like door panels, headrests, the A-pillar, or ceiling linings, one could create an audio setup that produces sound through surface vibrations without needing extra speakers. Furthermore, compared to traditional speakers, this innovation takes up at least 90% less room and has the potential to shed about 40 kg in weight, offering significant benefits for reducing overall mass.

Pavel Prouza, a member of the Continental Automotive Group’s executive committee and head of the UX business unit, stated: ‘We’ve managed to achieve superior audio performance within the car by integrating actuators into the display, effectively turning the whole screen into an acoustic chamber.’ He added, ‘This approach allows for better use of cabin space inside the vehicle and decreases overall weight when contrasted with traditional speaker systems.’ Furthermore, he noted, ‘To enhance user experience, we leveraged our company’s proficiency in system integration to merge both visual and auditory elements seamlessly without sacrificing quality.’