Automaker Ford may have found the perfect solution for dogs fearful of fireworks: a noise-cancelling crate.
This week, the company posted on its blog a concept crate called the Quiet Kennel to help block loud, scary noises, including ones during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“We wondered how the technologies we use in our cars could help people in other situations,” Lyn West, Ford of Europe’s brand content manager, in a statement. “Making sure dogs and their owners could enjoy a stress-free New Year’s Eve seemed like the perfect application for our Active Noise Control system.”
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Using the same technology in the Ford’s Edge SUV which ensures car trips are quieter for travelers, the crate has built-in microphones that are able to detect loud noises, including fireworks. Once the noise is picked up, an audio system automatically turns on, pushing out frequencies that either significantly decrease the noise or cancel it out completely. To achieve this, the crate has high-density cork — a natural sound absorbent — for sound proofing.
Related: The Coolest Dog Crates Disguised as Stylish Furniture
Besides it being high-tech, the kennel is very modern. Its triangular shape has an automatic glass door, allowing pups to pop in and out on their own accord.
Unfortunately, for us dog parents, we most likely won’t be able to buy a Ford dog crate anytime soon. It is part of the company’s Interventions program, which uses the automaker’s technology to solve other problems.
“We’re not in the dog kennel business,” Anthony Ireson, director of marketing and communications for Ford Europe, told Detroit Free Press, adding, “If there’s enough interest, we’ll explore the technology for production.”
And from the social media comments, it seems like that is definitely the case:
See for yourself:
