Using sound actuators to vibrate a surface and produce sound is a straightforward application of basic physics. Turning those vibrations into clear, audible sound and intelligible speech is a more impressive feat of magic. There have been attempts in the past to a ‘flat’ or ‘invisible’ car speaker, but not one has successfully made it into mass production.
Continental’s Ac2ated Sound technologytakes a new approach, by turning a display surface into a speaker which can deliver a lifelike, immersive audio experience.
The technology takes advantage of acoustic localization — the natural human ability to determine the direction of a sound. When audio cues such as speech or feedback come from a specific location, people instinctively turn their attention in that direction. This improves focus and interaction with vehicle displays.
Developed by Continental Engineering Services’ specialized team in vehicle acoustics and psychoacoustics, Ac2ated Sound replaces conventional speakers with compact actuators that vibrate the display itself. The display’s unique structure offers excellent acoustic properties, including optimal damping and stiffness; the system creates a unified, direction-aware audio environment that elevates both functionality and design. The technology can also be integrated into flat components inside the vehicle, for example in door trims, headrests, A-pillars or the roof lining. The actuators are small, measuring just a few cm so they’re easy to integrate. The benefits are significant: reduced installation complexity, lower assembly cost, major space savings — up to 90 per cent less than traditional systems — and a weight reduction of up to 40 kg.
