Ford reveals noise-cancelling kennel
Keep your pups happy during NYE parties with this dog house inspired by in-car technology.
Ford has revealed a new pet accessory concept designed to soothe sensitive ears during the fireworks on New Year's Eve.
The Blue Oval cites statistics showing an estimated 45 per cent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks, causing distress for the animals and also their owners.
So, Ford has created a noise-cancelling kennel employing similar technology to that found in headphones and cars to protect canine ears during fireworks, meaning owners don't have to keep their pets away from the family during celebrations.
The prototype kennel uses microphones to detect the sound of fireworks, then emits opposing frequencies through an in-built audio system that "in effect cancels out the noise completely".
It's just a concept for now, and the first in a series of Ford initiatives dubbed 'Interventions' applying automotive technologies to help solve everyday problems.
"Many animals find fireworks scary – and compared to people, dogs can hear things that are four times further away, and across a much wider range of frequencies," said Graeme Hall, one of the UK's top dog trainers, also known as 'The Dogfather'.
"Preparing in advance of firework displays is the key – and part of that is to identify a place where your pets feel safe and happy."
Ford says the idea for the noise-cancelling kennel was inspired by the active noise cancellation technology it introduced to the Edge SUV (known here as the Endura), which plays opposing sound waves through the in-car audio system to reduce engine and transmission noise.
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