Jaguar Land Rover uses existing cabin, chassis tech to prevent motion sickness

An algorithm automatically adjusts vehicle dynamics and climate settings to suit individual passengers' needs.

Jaguar Land Rover has developed new techniques to reduce motion sickness in vehicles.

Engineers have employed biometric sensors to automatically detect physiological signals associated with motion sickness, creating a 'wellness score' for drivers and individual passengers.

Motion sickness in a vehicle is typically associated with a conflict between visually perceived movement and sensory input associated with the inner ear.

When occupants begin to show signs of motion sickness, JLR's algorithms adjust the cabin climate controls and vehicle dynamics settings. Active suspension can reduce low-frequency motion from the road, while a cooler interior temperature can further improve comfort.

JLR also says lowering the seat to raise the infotainment display's sight plane, or mounting a smartphone holder 10 cm higher, can cut sickness by 40 percent. Also, activating the satellite navigation with voice guidance can help passengers anticipate the vehicle's change in direction.

The company says the research is helping create a baseline that autonomous cars can follow to help prevent motion sickness.

"As we move towards an autonomous future where occupants will have more time to either work, read or relax on longer journeys, it's important we develop vehicles that can adapt to reduce the effects of motion sickness in a way that's tailored to each passenger," says JLR wellness tech researcher Spencer Salter.