Backseat bickering and sibling squabbles have been an ongoing issue for parents since the invention of children. But now Skoda introduces an innovative noise-cancelling front seat headrest. And parents, at last, can enjoy their journeys and concentrate on driving.
The newest addition to the brand’s range of accessories features inbuilt speakers. The driver can turn them on within seconds of a rear seat fracas breaking out. It has Skoda’s new QuarrelKancel™ technology.
The noise-cancelling headrests start working at the touch of a button via the Skoda infotainment system. They are available exclusively as an option for the all-new Skoda Karoq. The system can also work in ‘automatic’ mode, and can ‘listen’ for the first signs of an argument.
The system was conceived by Skoda’s Chief of Family Relations, Professor Si Lence and Special Projects leader, Dr April Fürst. “To create this technology, we recruited a Skoda ‘Scream Team’ – a group of volunteers dedicated to solving this global parenting issue,” explained Lence.
Skoda introduces an innovative noise-cancelling front seat headrest. And parents, at last, can enjoy their journeys and concentrate on driving
“We tested 1,000 families over 10,000 miles. And we identified that 80dB, the sound equivalent of a vacuum cleaner, is the pitch most unbearable for parents,” added Fürst.
Skoda developed the innovation in partnership with sound specialists CANTON. The speakers continuously monitor, measure and react to the in-cabin child decibel level. Once activated, they generate unique sound waves that intelligently block out bickering. But it still allows parents to hear essential road noises, such as emergency sirens.
“We know backseat bickering is a serious issue for our customers. The hotline to the Family Relations team is constantly ringing with parents at a loss of how to solve the problem,” said Lence.
“This is why we have spent thousands of hours coming up with this stress-busting solution. We’re the first manufacturer to offer an accessory this smart. And we think it will change the lives of many parents. We certainly might see fewer grey hairs.”
The noise-cancelling headrests are the latest item in Skoda’s range of acclaimed accessories. It already includes an inbuilt umbrella holder, integrated ice scraper and virtual boot pedal.
(Happy April 1st!)
