Hyundai Mobis Transforms 'World's First' Electric Vehicle Grille into Speaker Component

World's First Virtual Engine Sound System Developed Using Electric Vehicle Grille Cover (Photo by Hyundai Mobis)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Hyundai Mobis has succeeded in developing the world's first virtual engine sound system (AVAS) using an electric vehicle grille cover. This technology utilizes the grille cover itself, which blocks the front of the electric vehicle, as a component of the speaker system. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles have a completely sealed grille, and this innovation repurposes the grille as a speaker diaphragm, representing a paradigm shift.

By applying this technology, pedestrians can recognize the presence of quietly approaching electric vehicles through virtual engine sounds. It also features sounds such as turn signal alerts and charging status notifications that pedestrians can hear. Additionally, it can be used as an external speaker to enjoy music during outdoor activities like camping. This technology can further evolve into a communication system where vehicles and pedestrians interact through sound in the era of autonomous driving.

This virtual engine sound system was also the grand prize winner in the 2018 employee idea contest. Hyundai Mobis operated the contest until 2018 to encourage employees to freely propose ideas, and since last year, it has been converted into a continuous 'Idea Proposal Board' format.

Among the ideas proposed, outstanding ones are evaluated based on originality, technical feasibility, and commercialization value, and are promoted as strategic R&D projects for the company. The virtual engine sound system started as a simple idea and developed into a new technology optimized for vehicle application during the development process.

During development, Hyundai Mobis reduced the system weight to about one-third compared to existing products. Efforts to simplify the system structure and reduce costs included halving the size and number of components.

Hyundai Mobis is activating employee idea proposals under the principle that the competitiveness of future mobility services starts with creative ideas. As of May this year, the Idea Proposal Board, operating since May last year, has received about 750 ideas in the future automobile field. Last year, the 'Ultrasonic Vibration Lens Cleaner' that automatically cleans rainwater from rear vehicle cameras and the 'Emergency Lane Secondary Accident Prevention System' to prevent accidents from roadside parking were selected as the best ideas of the year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.