Okay, here is the abstract and summary for the provided article and comments about the Bose/ClearMotion suspension.
Abstract:
This article from The Drive, along with accompanying Hacker News discussion, covers the long-awaited commercialization of the legendary Bose "Magic Carpet" active suspension technology. Originally demonstrated over 20 years ago on a Lexus LS400, the electromechanical system, known for its ability to counteract bumps and maintain a level ride, was initially deemed too impractical for mass production. The technology rights were later acquired by ClearMotion, which has further developed the concept. ClearMotion's implementation (ClearMotion1) differs from the original, utilizing electro-hydraulic actuators combined with predictive control software that leverages crowdsourced road data for anticipation, rather than Bose's linear electric motors. The system recently debuted in its first production vehicle, the Nio ET9 in China, as part of a large-scale deal. Future plans include a partnership with Porsche, incorporating ClearMotion1 hardware and a new "RoadMotion" proactive chassis control software. Hacker News commenters discuss the technical specifics, compare it to existing active/semi-active systems (like Magnetic Ride, Mercedes ABC, Citroen Hydropneumatic), debate its advantages, and raise questions about durability, cost, necessity, and potential impacts on traffic calming measures like speed bumps.
The Bose "Magic Carpet" Ride: From Legendary Demo to Production Reality
Concept Origin: Over 20 years ago, Bose demonstrated a revolutionary electromechanical active suspension on a Lexus LS400, capable of seemingly eliminating bumps, jumping obstacles, and cornering completely flat.
Key Takeaway: The original demo showcased a radical improvement in ride quality and vehicle stability but was not production-ready at the time due to practicality issues (likely cost, power consumption, complexity).
ClearMotion Acquisition & Evolution: US company ClearMotion acquired the rights and further developed the technology.
Detail (HN Comment - ClearMotion Founder): Their current "ClearMotion1" system uses fast electro-hydraulic actuators (push/pull), predictive control software anticipating road dynamics, and "infinite preview" via crowdsourced road data (<3cm precision). It's described as a "software-defined chassis."
Detail (HN Comment - ClearMotion Founder): The Bose acquisition was mainly for specific control software IP and engineering talent; the production hardware/software is largely ClearMotion's own development.
Key Takeaway: The technology now in production is an evolution, focusing on electro-hydraulics and predictive software rather than the original power-hungry linear motors.
Market Debut with Nio: The system made its production debut in China on the Nio ET9 electric vehicle.
Detail: A deal is in place to potentially put the suspension in 3 million Nio cars.
Key Takeaway: Mass production is beginning, which could help drive down costs and enable wider adoption.
Future Partnerships (Porsche): ClearMotion is partnering with Porsche.
Detail: Porsche will use the ClearMotion1 hardware and launch "RoadMotion," a proactive software system that maps road surfaces and adapts suspension accordingly on subsequent passes.
Key Takeaway: The technology is moving into high-performance luxury segments, integrating advanced software and data collection features.
Comparisons to Existing Tech (HN Discussion): Commenters compared ClearMotion to existing systems:
Examples: Cadillac Magnetic Ride (magnetorheological fluid), Ford Raptor Live Valve (solenoid valves), Mercedes Active/Magic Body Control (hydraulic rams, road scanning), BYD Yangwang U9 (fully powered suspension), historical Citroen hydropneumatic systems.
ClearMotion's Claim (HN): Their system is a "major leap" offering ~80% more vibration reduction than current top semi-active systems, crucial for comfort, especially in future autonomous vehicles to prevent motion sickness.
Key Takeaway: While adaptive and semi-active suspensions exist, ClearMotion positions its system as truly proactive and predictive, offering superior performance.
Concerns & Other Points (HN Discussion):
Durability: ClearMotion founder states the system passed 5 years of testing across millions of miles.
Speed Bumps: Discussion arose about whether such tech negates the purpose of speed bumps, potentially leading to alternative traffic calming like chicanes or circles. Some argued speed bumps are already ineffective against larger vehicles or determined drivers.
Complexity/Reliability/Cost: Concerns were raised about adding more complex, potentially expensive-to-repair systems to modern cars.
Need/Application: Some questioned the necessity outside of ultra-luxury or autonomous scenarios where passenger comfort/productivity is paramount.
Privacy: The use of crowdsourced road data ("fingerprinting" roads) raises potential privacy implications.