What happened to Bose active suspension?
Bose active suspension, a revolutionary automotive technology developed by the renowned audio company Bose, was once hailed as a game-changer in the world of vehicle dynamics. However, the technology ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption, leading to its eventual demise. This article explores the history, promise, and downfall of Bose active suspension.
The Promise of Bose Active Suspension
Bose active suspension was a unique approach to vehicle suspension, designed to provide a smoother and more controlled ride. Unlike traditional passive suspension systems, which rely on springs and dampers to absorb shocks, Bose's system used a network of sensors, actuators, and a powerful computer to actively adjust the suspension in real-time. This allowed the vehicle to adapt to changing road conditions, reducing body roll, pitch, and vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable and stable driving experience.
The technology was developed by Dr. Amar Bose, the founder of Bose Corporation, who had a passion for both audio engineering and automotive design. Bose believed that the same principles that enabled his company's high-quality audio systems could be applied to vehicle suspension, creating a revolutionary new approach to ride quality.
The Rise and Fall of Bose Active Suspension
Bose active suspension was first showcased in the early 1980s, generating significant interest and excitement within the automotive industry. The system demonstrated impressive performance, with the ability to virtually eliminate body roll and provide a remarkably smooth ride, even on rough roads.
Several automakers, including General Motors and Cadillac, expressed interest in incorporating Bose active suspension into their vehicles. In the late 1990s, Cadillac even offered the technology as an optional feature on its Seville STS model, becoming the first production car to feature Bose active suspension.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm, Bose active suspension ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption. The primary reasons for its downfall were the high cost of the system, its complexity, and the challenges in integrating it with existing vehicle architectures. The cost of the Bose active suspension system was significantly higher than traditional passive suspension systems, making it prohibitively expensive for many consumers.
Additionally, the complexity of the system, which required a network of sensors, actuators, and a powerful computer, made it challenging to manufacture and maintain. Automakers were hesitant to invest in the technology, as it added significant complexity and cost to their vehicle platforms.
The Legacy of Bose Active Suspension
Despite the ultimate failure of Bose active suspension, the technology left a lasting impact on the automotive industry. The principles and innovations developed by Bose have continued to influence the evolution of vehicle suspension systems, with many automakers incorporating active and semi-active suspension technologies into their modern vehicles.
While Bose active suspension may not have achieved widespread commercial success, it remains a testament to the power of innovation and the pursuit of technological excellence. The story of Bose active suspension serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the most promising technologies can face significant challenges in the real world, and that success is not always guaranteed, even for the most innovative and ambitious ideas.
Has Bose gone out of business?
In January 2020, Bose announced that they would be closing all their more than 100 retail stores in North America, Japan, Europe, and Australia. They would retain their online presence, as well as sell their products through Target, Best Buy, and Amazon.
Does Bose still make suspension?
In 2018 Bose sold its 'Magic Carpet' active suspension system to a company, which said it was slated to come out in a 'low volume' production vehicle in 2019 (and mass production in 2020).
Why is magnetic suspension not used?
Weight and Size: Strong magnets can be heavy and bulky, making them impractical for use in a vehicle suspension system. The weight of the magnets could counteract the benefits of their repulsive force.
Which cars use Bose suspension?
As this project began some time ago, the cars Bose used to develop and demonstrate this technology were a pair of Lexus LS 400 sedans that were purchased new in the early '90s. Anyone who has driven or ridden in one of these Lexus flagships can tell you what a nice, soft ride they have.
Who owns Bose company now?
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The majority owner of Bose Corporation is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Why is air suspension so unreliable?
Air suspension systems are also prone to mechanical issues. Your suspension may suffer malfunctions from rust or moisture damage from the inside, or an air fitting failure of the air tubing connecting to the air system. Leaks in air springs are also common and could lead to compressor burn out.
Was the Bose suspension real?
Why Bose's Electromagnetic Car Suspension System Never Made it to Market. Bose—the company best known for its high-end speakers—spent three decades on a side project developing an active suspension system for luxury vehicles. The system was a passion project for the company's late founder Amar Bose.
Is electromagnetic suspension possible?
Maglev (magnetic levitation) is a transportation system in which a vehicle is suspended on a guiding rail by the principle of electromagnetic suspension. Maglev has the advantages of being quieter and smoother than wheeled transportation due to eliminating much of the physical contact between wheels and track.
Who bought Bose suspension?
ClearMotion tech firm
ClearMotion tech firm buys Bose's skunkworks electromagnetic suspension. ClearMotion plans OEM use for Bose's Project Sound "digital chassis" technology. the codename Project Sound, Bose — the audio company — spent more than 30 years working on a vehicle suspension that employed electromagnetic motors at each corner.
Why did the Bose suspension fail?
Bose deemed the technology as too big, too heavy and too costly to use on production cars have since sold the technology to a company called clearmotion that specializes in active suspensions. They have interest from five low volume vehicle manufacturers.
