INDIA: In-vehicle tire noise is an unwelcome intrusion that can travel through chassis components, such as control arms and dampers. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), ZF is presenting its new “Active Noise Reduction” software function, which reduces this type of noise at the source without additional noise-dampening hardware in the vehicle. The purely software-based function for the chassis significantly minimizes annoying tire noise in the interior. In the future, the technology group will expand the use of the function to other ZF chassis actuators.

The software-based solution uses ZF’s Smart Chassis Sensor with an integrated acceleration sensor to precisely measure vibrations transmitted from the tires to the vehicle via the chassis. The vibration data is analyzed using a specially developed algorithm that recognizes the characteristic noise patterns of tire cavity noise (typically around 200 hertz). The software then generates a counter-signal provided by ZF’s cubiX software via the valves of semi-active dampers (CDC). The function uses micro-movements of the damper to specifically reduce the noise interference without impairing the actual damper function.

“Active Noise Reduction is an excellent example of how we use smart algorithms to make ZF components even more efficient. This gives our semi-active CDC dampers a clear, unique selling point in the market and sets new standards in comfort – without the need for any additional noise-dampening hardware,” says Dr. Peter Holdmann, member of the ZF Board of Management and head of Division Chassis Solutions.

Intelligent dampers, brilliant quietness: this is what the future of chassis technology sounds like

The achievement of noise reduction is implemented purely on a software basis through intelligent control of the CDC dampers – without additional installation costs or space requirements. The current version of the technology achieves noise reductions of more than 3 dB today, which is a clearly audible difference for passengers. Up to 10 dB is possible in the future.

Active Noise Reduction can be adapted to different vehicle types and customer requirements via software. This creates a new market, particularly for lower-priced vehicles, as high-quality acoustic solutions with microphones or speakers have mostly been available only in luxury segments. Approximately 40 percent of all semi-active dampers worldwide already come from ZF, making the technology group the market leader. In view of the trend toward automated driving, ZF expects sales in this area to increase.

Active Noise Reduction is part of Chassis 2.0

Series production of Active Noise Reduction is scheduled to start in 2028. In the future, the software function may also be used in other ZF actuators — for example, for active reduction of brake squeal or in the fully active damping system sMOTION.

“Thanks to our system expertise, we can offer our mechatronic actuators as true innovation drivers with the help of smart algorithms, and we will extend our software-based control approach to other ZF actuators in the future. The goal for us is clear: mechatronic actuators that are capable of efficiently reducing both their own and external noise with the help of software,” explains Holdmann.

“The new function fits perfectly into ZF’s Chassis 2.0 product strategy. Chassis 2.0 uses intelligent and networkable actuators to enable new chassis functions via software. It combines intelligent actuators such as brakes, steering, and damping, scalable electronic architectures (E/E), and innovative software solutions into a highly integrated, flexible system. “With our Chassis 2.0, we are laying the foundation for the software-defined vehicle,” says Holdmann.

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This state-of-the-art BestSound Center aims to address the growing need for advanced hearing solutions in Pune, a city known for its cultural richness and rapid development. With a comprehensive suite of services, the center offers cutting-edge hearing aid technologies, personalized audiological consultations, and continuous support tailored to the unique needs of Pune’s community.

“The inauguration of the BestSound Center in Pune underscores our unwavering dedication to providing innovative hearing solutions across India. Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in humans today. There is a stigma associated with hearing loss that is well known. Many factors contribute to the stigma, but perhaps the biggest one is that we don’t talk about it enough. Untreated hearing loss has social, physical, and psychological consequences. With the launch of this store, we aim to provide an inclusive experience that reframes assumptions about hearing aids and empowers the people of Pune to take action,” said Avinash Pawar, CEO & Managing Director, of WS Audiology India.

“Partnering with Signia is a proud moment for us,” said Vishal Shah, CEO, of Aanvii Hearing Solutions. “With over 14 years of expertise in audiology and speech therapy, our center is dedicated to offering holistic diagnostic and rehabilitation services. This collaboration enables us to bring world-class hearing solutions to the community of Pune.” 

Aanvii Hearing Solutions has established itself as a trusted name in speech and hearing care, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services to individuals of all ages. Under the clinical expertise of Vishal Shah, the center provides a wide range of services, including advanced audiological diagnostics, speech therapy, and the fitting of the latest amplification devices.

Globally, hearing loss impacts an estimated 1.6 billion people, with over 430 million facing severe difficulties. Despite available solutions, only 20% of those affected have access to hearing aids. In India, approximately 6.3% of the population experiences some form of hearing loss, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced accessibility and awareness.

About 5% of adults ages 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 10% for adults ages 55-64. 22% of those ages 65 to 74 and 55% of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.

With the launch of the BestSound Center in Pune, Signia takes another step forward in its mission to empower individuals with hearing impairments, offering them the chance to reconnect with the world and live life to its fullest potential.

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Articulating her intention for the experience, Satya says, “While investigating a deep listening perspective in relation to our acoustic world emotionally and imaginatively, the Sound of Freedom will guide us towards the sense of perspective and understanding that we need in order to find solutions for our climate and give rise to multiple pathways in order to create a space safe for the wellness, mental health, and freedom.”

Satya is currently exploring ways in which sound can play a role in building more sustainable environments for people around the planet. Through her art, advocacy, and ability to bring together a multiplicity of disciplines and art forms on global platforms, she has demonstrated time and again that radical, deep listening is the key to everything from inner healing to outer abundance.

With ASE, Satya curates multi-sensorial site-specific spatial sound experiences that encourage listeners to ‘think in sound’. To stimulate and soothe the auditory sense, often overburdened in our noisy urban environments, her compositions use chants, voice, field recordings, and a variety of instruments. ASE merges science and the arts in order to induce what Satya calls, “an elevated collective subconscious”. The most powerful manifestation of this mission happened in May 2021 when ASE partnered with Deepak Chopra’s foundation on the Never Alone Global Mental Health Summit. For the Summit, Satya curated a three-hour segment called Spotlight India, which made space for dialogue on mind-body medicine and building sustainable ecosystems for the mental well-being of the country.

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