Your Next Car Might Not Have Speakers As Continental And Sennheiser Unveil Speakerless Audio System

Continental and Sennheiser have joined forces to create a revolutionary car audio system that doesn’t use speakers.

Dubbed Ac2ated Sound, the system draws inspiration from string instruments which use their wooden body as a resonance chamber.

The similarities end there as the high-tech audio system has specially developed software and actuators that “excite” vehicle surfaces. Thanks to special bonding technology, sound waves are transferred to interior panels which then send them into the cabin.

Also Read: Harman’s New EV-Focused Audio System Is Lightweight, Energy Efficient And Upgradable Over-The-Air

While the technology is hard to explain, the companies said the system delivers an “extremely natural sound experience” that feels like you’re sitting in a concert hall. They also noted the sound is life-like and immersive, and “envelops passengers in an incredibly detailed and vivid soundscape.”

The system is certainly innovative, but it also has a host of other benefits. Ac2ated Sound has a “much lower weight” than conventional audio systems which can weigh up to 88 lbs (40 kg). Furthermore, since the system uses existing interior surfaces, the system is 75 to 90 percent smaller than traditional audio systems. Continental says this make the Ac2ated Sound system “perfectly suited for electric vehicles, where saving space and weight is a high priority.”

The system also has other benefits as it gives automakers more freedom with interior design. As the companies noticed, actuators can be placed behind the door trim and roof liner. They can also be installed in the A-pillars, rear shelf and dashboard.

There’s no word on when the speakerless audio system could go into production, but hopefully it’s not too far off.