Warwick Acoustics originally has targeted many different applications for its electrostatic transducers, always having in mind the potential for automotive applications. With the company’s solutions continuing to be proven in high-end headphone systems and intense automotive R&D having taken place over the last five years, Warwick Acoustics is now exiting ‘stealth mode’ with its electrostatic based audio systems engineered for automotive applications.
The exceptional audio quality of Warwick Acoustics’ electrostatic technology has been acclaimed in the premium headphone market, where the company has earned over 30 global awards. With a rapidly growing portfolio of fundamental patents on Electrostatic Transducer design characteristics and manufacturing processes, Warwick Acoustics aims to become capable of delivering the same "unrivaled, remarkable and immersive" listening experiences to the premium in-car audio sector.
But the benefits for the company's unique electrostatic transducers in automotive applications are not restricted to very high quality reproduction. According to Warwick Acoustics, its panels bring significant whole vehicle system benefits compared to the use of conventional audio technology. Mainly because they are up to 75% lighter, consume up to 75% less power and offer significant interior design and packaging freedom.
As automotive manufacturers (OEMs) set key sustainability objectives, Warwick believes its electroacoustic panels will deliver breakthrough speaker solutions for OEMs in achieving those targets with the use of 100% by mass upcycled and recyclable materials. Additionally, Warwick Acoustics' electroacoustic panels do not use any unsustainable rare earth elements whatsoever – which is increasingly a major consideration for the manufacturing process.
More importantly, Warwick's transducers offer automotive designers and engineers significant freedom over speaker location and cabin integration. Unlike conventional speakers, electroacoustic panels can be moulded into diverse form factors and incorporated into almost all interior surface designs. This creates additional space within vehicle interiors for passengers, as well as freedom for automotive manufacturers to innovate visual interior designs, creating new and distinctive in-cabin experiences. The possibility to incorporate these panels in the cabin ceiling and headrests is among the most appealing for new immersive audio solutions.
Warwick Acoustics says it is now able to supply these electroacoustic panels in automotive-grade solutions, ready to respond to OEMs’ ongoing transition to electrification and life cycle sustainability targets.
"We believe that our revolutionary technology is capable of transforming premium audio within the automotive sector through both the extraordinary acoustic quality our solutions deliver to consumers, and the multifarious and significant benefits our solutions deliver to OEMs," says Mike Grant, CEO of Warwick Acoustics.
"It is exciting to finally exit ‘stealth mode’ after many years of intense R&D. While we have proven our electrostatic loudspeaker technology in the high-end headphone market – securing widespread critical acclaim for unequalled, immersive and precise sound quality – it was always clear that it was in the automotive sector where the initial significant opportunity for the company lies.
"The relevance and value of our technology have only increased as the transition of the sector to sustainable technology quickly accelerates. The substantial improvements we have made in terms of weight saving and power reduction become even more compelling with EVs than ICE-powered vehicles. In addition, the sustainable benefits of our speakers in terms of the use of upcycled and recyclable materials is a game-changer for OEMs who are all rapidly seeking to decarbonise their supply bases.
“Our business is primed for expansion. Our electroacoustic panels are automotive-application ready. We have assembled a world-class team with an exceptional depth of industry experience. With strong financial backing, the company is now scaling the business rapidly to capitalize fully on the opportunity in front of us to be a global leader in our field," Mike Grant concludes.
Warwick Acoustics is a spin-out of the School of Engineering at Warwick University, founded in 2002, Warwick Acoustics is now headquartered at a new state-of-the-art facility at MIRA Technology Park, Warwickshire, in the very heart of the UK’s automotive industry. Its team of over 30 individuals is led by a team of executives with over 150 years of experience in technology and in-car audio sectors at brands such as Sony, Bose, Harman Automotive, Meridian Audio, McLaren Automotive and JLR.
www.warwickacoustics.com
