Bose Suspension

PyeContinental

Bose, who are best known for their audio speakers, invented this car suspension system which seems to defy physics, back in the 80s. I first saw a video of this Lexus LS400 demonstrating its awesome abilities probably about ten years ago. My question is why has it not become mainstream by now?

The answer is probably something along the lines of frustrating/depressing commerical reasons.

randy hickey

The last line of the paragraph on Wikipedia dealing with Bose's Automotive Suspension System may tell the tale of why it isn't being used;

"Bose says that the system is "high cost" and heavy, even after many years and $100 million of development."

Fascinating engineering all the same.

"The system uses electromagnetic linear motors to raise or lower the wheels of an automobile in response to uneven bumps or potholes on the road.[31] The wheels are raised when approaching a bump, or extended into a pothole, within milliseconds, thus keeping the vehicle level. This technology uses similar principles to noise cancelling technology for speakers and earphones. The unevenness of the road is sensed, and processed much like a sound wave. A canceling wave is generated, which is applied to the wheels through the linear motors."

randy hickey

Another interesting article from 2011 here;

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/97177-bose-active-suspension-moves-toward-market