The ATC technology used in Hyundai’s ‘Silent Taxi’ visualizes the sound information essential for the driver through the creations of algorithms. The algorithms are then sent to a Heads-up Display (HUD) which sends out vibrations and illuminates the steering wheel in different stages.(image: Hyundai Motor Group)
SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Motor Group’s ‘Silent Taxi’ project has been successfully completed, and will allow hearing-impaired individuals to drive safely by providing sound information with visual and sensory cues.
The so-called ‘Silent Taxi’ was introduced on January 7, and is based on Audio-Tactile Conversion (ACT) technology.
The ‘Silent Taxi’ features sensory conversion technology for drivers with hearing impairment that converts all sound information inside and outside the vehicle into visual and tactile information.
Hyundai has chosen the very first driver with hearing impairment, Lee Dae-ho, as the first driver of the ‘Silent Taxi’.
Because of his hearing impairment, Lee often had trouble with other drivers and couldn’t hear sirens or horns. He was also often exhausted after having to focus too much on visual information.
The ATC technology used in Hyundai’s ‘Silent Taxi’ visualizes the sound information essential for the driver through the creations of algorithms.
The algorithms are then sent to a Heads-up Display (HUD) which sends out vibrations and illuminates the steering wheel in different stages.
This means that Lee will be able to distinguish sirens from police cars, fire trucks and ambulances, as well as regular car horns. The HUD will also tell the driver the direction the vehicle is approaching from.
The ‘Silent Taxi’ further informs the information to the driver through vibrations and LEDs.
The sound information occurring when reversing the car is also sent to the HUD and it the system also provides vibration to indicate such information.
Hyundai Motor Group hopes to help create new jobs for the disabled by launching the ‘Silent Taxi.’
Hyundai holds an R&D Idea Festival every year to increase motivation among its researchers to create and develop innovative technology that can help transform lives.
In addition, Hyundai hopes to communicate with customers as a life partner instead of as a mere provider of transportation through such festivals.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
