Car giant Ford has developed a ‘noise-cancelling’ dog house for pets that are afraid of fireworks and thunder.
The prototype dog kennel uses noise-cancellation panels and Ford’s ‘active noise control technology’ to create an insulated environment for pets, the Daily Mail reports.
It works similarly to noise-cancelling technology found in headphones in cars, according to the car-maker.
“Once microphones inside the prototype kennel detect the sound of the fireworks, a built-in audio system emits opposing frequencies that in effect cancels out the noise completely – or at least reduces it significantly,” Ford explained.
High-density cork, ideal for sound proofing was an integral part of the design.
ULTRA-SENSITIVE
In effect, it reduces the noise of fireworks to a level that doesn’t disturb dogs’ ultra-sensitive hearing, Ford said.
“A concept for now, but with the potential to mean a much better start to the year, both for your dog – and for you.”
A recent study by the University of Bern in Switzerland found that some 50% of dogs show signs of fear of fireworks, such as panting and getting anxious or nervous.
“We wondered how the technologies we use in our cars could help people in other situations,” said Lyn West, marketing communications at Ford of Europe.
The project is one of several initiatives that fall under Ford’s ‘Interventions’ series, which aim to take automotive tech and apply it to everyday problems.
