Huawei Revolutionises Automotive Acoustics with Cloud-Powered Tuning
Huawei, the global technology giant, is revolutionising automotive acoustics. Led by Lars Goller, the company's Chief Automotive Sound & Acoustics Advisor, a pioneering 'master-tuning method' is being developed. This innovative approach combines scientific measurement, artistic tuning, and specialised hardware, marking a significant investment in the field.
Huawei's commitment to research and development in this area is substantial. In 2024, the company spent CNY 179.7 billion (approximately £20 billion / €23.4 billion) on R&D, with over 113,000 employees dedicated to the task. Notably, around CNY 60 billion (roughly £6.6 billion / €7.8 billion) was allocated to fundamental science research.
The process involves complex data processing and simulations that would be impossible with local processing alone. Huawei's cloud computing infrastructure handles this, processing variables like seating positions, cabin loads, temperature fluctuations, vehicle speed, and road conditions in real-time. The facility boasts three testing environments that generate vast amounts of measurement data, including frequency response curves, phase relationships, and distortion characteristics.
Huawei's active road-noise cancellation system is a testament to this technological prowess. It requires continuous sensor data processing, facilitated by the cloud. The company's independent sound-zone technology also relies on real-time calculation of wave interference patterns and instantaneous DSP adjustments, with computational loads distributed between edge processing and cloud-based optimisation algorithms.
Huawei's Shanghai Acoustics R&D Centre uses cloud computing to process massive acoustic datasets and enable real-time audio processing. This centre serves over twenty automakers, providing solutions for driver assistance, cockpit and control systems, and acoustics. Chinese automakers BYD and NIO already utilise Huawei's cloud computing solutions for their acoustics development.
Huawei's ambitious automotive acoustics programme extends beyond acoustic performance. It also considers production scalability, supply chain integration, cloud infrastructure reliability, and consumer willingness to pay for premium features. With substantial capital investment and a computational advantage, Huawei aims to challenge European dominance in automotive audio engineering. The success of this programme will not only enhance in-car audio experiences but also reshape the automotive industry's technological landscape.
