ADVERTISEMENTs
New technology to reduce motion sickness
Developed by Shorya Awtar at the University of Michigan, the system uses predictive cues and seat movements to prepare passengers for motion sickness
-
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 06, Jun 2025
- 15:35 EDT
- 18
.jpg)
Shorya Awtar / Image credit: Brenda Ahearn, Michigan Engineering
An Indian-origin mechanical engineer has developed a new technology that can significantly reduce motion sickness for passengers in both current and next-generation vehicles, including autonomous cars.
Developed by Shorya Awtar at the University of Michigan, the system—called PREACT (Predictive Reaction)—uses predictive cues and seat movements to prepare passengers for turns, acceleration, and braking, thereby minimizing the discomfort caused by unexpected vehicle motion.
Also Read: Indian-origin aerosol scientist develops nano-fertilizer
“We call it PREACT because it predicts the motions of the vehicle and acts preemptively to counteract the effect of the vehicle’s motion on the passenger’s body,” said Awtar, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Precision Systems Design Laboratory at the University of Michigan.
The system uses real-time and historical sensor data to detect upcoming vehicle maneuvers. It then sends alerts through seat tilts or haptic signals to help passengers anticipate movement, mimicking the natural bodily adjustments that occur when looking ahead on the road.
Tested on more than 150 participants at U-M’s Mcity test facility, PREACT showed a nearly 50 percent reduction in symptoms of motion sickness. Around 80 percent of participants said they would want the feature included in their next vehicle.
Following five years of research and testing, the technology is being commercialized by Motion Sync, a startup co-founded by Awtar and Daniel Sousa Schulman, a doctorate candidate at U-M and PREACT’s chief engineer. Motion Sync is currently working with a major auto manufacturer to explore integration options.
PREACT is available in two formats. One version integrates active seat tilts and automatic seatbelt tensioning into new vehicle platforms. The other is a retrofit solution for existing vehicles, using directional vibrations—such as a buzz on the left side of the seat to indicate an upcoming left turn.
“This will make PREACT affordable and accessible to a wide range of customers,” said Schulman, who also serves as CEO of Motion Sync. He noted that the retrofit system is lightweight, requires minimal power, and is low-cost.
The system is compatible with modern vehicles, including those with regenerative braking—known to cause more abrupt deceleration and increased motion sickness. PREACT also addresses discomfort in autonomous vehicles, where passengers are more likely to be disengaged from driving.
Awtar, who earned degrees from IIT Kanpur, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is known for innovations in mechanical design and mechatronics. He is a fellow of the ASME and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. His previous technologies span medical devices for minimally invasive surgery, semiconductor metrology, MEMS actuators, and rehabilitation robotics.
The PREACT project received partial funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Center for Connected and Automated Transportation and the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization for Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub.
Related
.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login