Revolutionary Technology to Combat Motion Sickness in Vehicles
As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, millions of people are expected to hit the road, with AAA estimating up to 39 million travelers. However, for many, the excitement of a road trip is dampened by motion sickness. Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed a groundbreaking technology called PREACT, designed to reduce motion sickness by nearly half. This innovation is particularly significant for the 1 in 2 children and 1 in 3 adults who suffer from this condition.
How PREACT Works
PREACT addresses the root cause of motion sickness: unexpected vehicle movements that catch passengers off guard when they’re not watching the road. The technology sends cues through the seat to alert passengers to upcoming movements, and can even tilt the seat to mimic the body’s natural preparation for turns and braking. According to Shorya Awtar, U-M professor of mechanical engineering, “We take real-time and historical data from on-vehicle sensors to help anticipate the vehicle’s impending motions and use that to alert passengers to what’s coming.”
Implementation and Testing
After five years of research and extensive human testing, PREACT is now being implemented in real-world applications. The technology has been tested with over 150 human subjects at Mcity, using specially designed test vehicles on tracks simulating city and highway driving. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in motion sickness, with 80% of subjects stating they would want PREACT in their next vehicle.
Commercialization and Future Plans
Motion Sync, a startup founded by Awtar and Daniel Sousa Schulman, is working to commercialize PREACT. The technology is available in two versions: an integrated version that can be incorporated into new vehicles, and a retrofit version that can be installed in existing vehicles. Schulman notes that the retrofit version is lightweight, requires minimal power, and is cost-effective. PREACT is compatible with both human-driven vehicles and autonomous vehicles, making it a promising solution for future transportation needs.
Conclusion
As the transportation industry continues to evolve, technologies like PREACT are crucial in enhancing passenger comfort and experience. With its innovative approach to reducing motion sickness, PREACT is poised to make a significant impact on the automotive industry. As Awtar emphasizes, “It’s vitally important we take into account the human factors associated with autonomous vehicles if it’s to become the standard mode for transportation.”
