World's First Anti-Sickness Car Promises a Smoother Ride for Motion-Sick Passengers

If you’ve ever dreaded a drive down Britain’s winding back roads due to motion sickness, relief may be on the horizon. ClearMotion, a Boston-based startup, has developed a revolutionary suspension system that promises to eliminate motion sickness. This cutting-edge technology was put to the test by MailOnline’s reporter, Wiliam Hunter, at ClearMotion’s testing facility in Warwickshire, and the results were promising.

Installed in the luxury NIO ET9, ClearMotion’s suspension system is designed to act like noise-cancelling headphones for the road. With compact motors and an onboard computer, the system actively manages wheel movements to counteract road bumps. This innovation could transform the driving experience, making it significantly more comfortable for passengers prone to nausea.

How ClearMotion’s Active Suspension Works

Unlike traditional passive suspension systems that rely on springs and gas, ClearMotion’s suspension is ‘active.’ This means it uses external power to adjust the suspension dynamically. When the system detects an obstacle, such as a speed bump, it rapidly adjusts the wheels to prevent the movement from reaching the car’s body. This approach, known as the ‘sky hook’ method, keeps the car’s body level while the wheels adjust to road contours.

The NIO ET9, currently the only car equipped with this system, even features a ‘Champagne Mode,’ allowing it to glide over speed bumps at low speeds without disturbing a tower of champagne glasses on the bonnet.

The Driving Experience

During the test drive, the NIO ET9 was put through its paces on various terrains, from winding back roads to a specialized test track. Initially, the ride felt exceptionally smooth, though not entirely devoid of minor rumbles. However, when the active system was turned off, the stark difference became apparent. The car lurched and bumped over the pothole-ridden track, highlighting just how effective ClearMotion’s system was in smoothing out the ride.

Once reactivated, the suspension system made the drive feel like floating on a cloud. Even while reading in the back seat, a common trigger for motion sickness, the ride remained comfortable and nausea-free.

Future Enhancements with RoadMotion

ClearMotion is taking its technology a step further with the development of RoadMotion, a software that uses GPS data to map road surfaces. This system records every bump and imperfection, allowing the suspension to anticipate and adjust to the road ahead. According to Marco Giovanardi, ClearMotion Technical Fellow, this proactive approach could significantly enhance the ride quality.

“With this proactive control, you can isolate a lot more motion because, by knowing what’s coming, you can do the right thing all the time,” said Giovanardi.

While RoadMotion is still in the prototype stage, it has been extensively tested at the HORIBA MIRA vehicle proving ground. The software can locate a car with an accuracy of one centimeter, even in GPS-challenged environments like tunnels.

Implications for the Future of Driving

The potential for ClearMotion’s technology extends beyond individual comfort. CEO Christian Steinmann envisions its integration into autonomous vehicles, where the system could have full control over driving dynamics, further minimizing motion sickness. This could revolutionize how we use travel time, allowing passengers to work or relax without discomfort.

“As soon as you put the human out of the loop, we know the traffic ahead, and so we can calculate acceleration, deceleration, and steering maneuvers,” Steinmann explained. “At that moment, I can really eliminate motion sickness.”

While ClearMotion’s system is currently exclusive to the NIO ET9, plans are underway to introduce it to the British market by mid-2027. As the technology evolves, it holds the promise of transforming not only the driving experience but also the future of autonomous travel.