Uber could make your drive to and from work more efficient with their new patent to cure car sickness. The disruptive transport company is developing a system for autonomous vehicles that would use light bars, moving seats and blasts of air to reduce motion sickness. This would enable people riding in self-driving cars to engage in productive activities such as reading, writing and other work-related tasks. Described in the patent as a "sensory stimulation system for autonomous vehicles," the technology would train passengers to prevent car sickness (also known as kinetosis).
One of the touted benefits of self-driving automobiles is the recovered commute time. As such, motion sickness could be a serious barrier stopping people from adapting to autonomous cars.
Sensory Sickness-Curing Systems
Uber's Patent Aims to Prevent Car Sickness in Autonomous Vehicles
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Vehicle Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and implement sensory stimulation systems in autonomous vehicles to prevent motion sickness and enhance user experience.
2. Productive Commuting - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore and design systems that enable passengers in self-driving cars to engage in work-related tasks during their commute.
3. Motion Sickness Prevention - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create and market new technologies and treatments that help individuals prevent and alleviate car sickness in autonomous vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with autonomous vehicle companies to develop and integrate motion sickness prevention systems into their fleet.
2. Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop novel sensory stimulation technologies and solutions that enhance the comfort and experience of passengers in autonomous vehicles.
3. Healthcare - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate and commercialize motion sickness prevention treatments and devices specifically designed for use in autonomous cars.