Audio Foundry Expands Its Vision for the Future of In-Cabin Experiences at AES Detroit 2026
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Three concept vehicles highlight the next evolution of automotive audio, communication and personalised in-cabin experiences.
Detroit, Michigan — July 2026 — Following the successful concept debut at CES 2026, Audio Foundry returns to AES Detroit with its largest showcase yet, presenting three unique innovation projects that explore the future of automotive audio, communication and intelligent in-cabin experiences.
Developed in collaboration with Audio Foundry (AF) members, the projects showcase how expertise in acoustics, voice pick-up, vision systems, digital signal processing and acoustic system integration can be combined to bring new ideas to life.
A Vision for In-Vehicle Conferencing
The centerpiece of the showcase is led by AF members - Primax and Tymphany, presenting their vision for in-vehicle conferencing in a Volvo EX90. Developed alongside Dirac, BdSound and Bluacs, the concept combines advanced microphones, intelligent camera technology, immersive acoustic architecture and sophisticated audio processing to explore how future vehicles could become productive communication and entertainment spaces.
As vehicles continue to evolve beyond transportation into connected living and working spaces, AF’s members believe conferencing will soon be a key feature for future mobility. While today's automotive industry has just begun exploring this area, the AF concept presents one possible direction for how integrated hardware, software and acoustics can work together to solve the unique challenges of communication inside a vehicle.
Visitors will experience how advanced voice capture, conferencing speakers, intelligent audio processing and integrated vision systems can work together to deliver natural, professional-quality conversations within one of the most challenging acoustic environments, the vehicle cabin.
A Scalable Immersive Audio Architecture
Alongside the conferencing concept, Audio Foundry members are showcasing an immersive automotive audio system that brings together advanced loudspeaker technologies, acoustic engineering expertise and system integration capabilities.
The reimagined audio system incorporates a range of unique transducer innovations and applications of consumer and professional audio technologies from Tymphany, inspired by the 'Less Is More System Architecture'. A key highlight is Tymphany’s bespoke force-cancelling woofer and subwoofer modules, utilizing Bluacs’ Fresh Air technology, designed to reduce vibration while simplifying vehicle integration. The system also features lightweight headliner speakers, premium headrest speakers, high-performance midrange drivers, precision tweeters and an innovative removable acoustic system. Together with Dirac’s Unison, Spaces and Dimensions software, these technologies demonstrate how collaboration across Audio Foundry members can deliver an immersive listening experience while enabling greater flexibility, packaging efficiency and system-level optimization for future vehicle platforms.
The Return of the Karma Revero
Following its debut at CES 2026, Audio Foundry is bringing its collaborative Karma Revero concept vehicle to AES Detroit, giving the audio community an opportunity to experience the Less Is More Speaker Architecture (LIMSA) firsthand.
LIMSA demonstrates how a flexible speaker architecture can deliver premium in-cabin audio by utilizing two specific listening modes: Stage Mode, a minimalist 4-channel, 5-speaker configuration, and Arena Mode, which expands to an immersive 11-channel, 14-speaker system.
Personalized Audio in the Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y explores how personalized audio and intelligent voice technologies can transform everyday interactions inside and around the vehicle.
Developed by AF members Bluacs and BdSound, the concept integrates Bluacs' AudioSphere headrests in the front seats, complemented by additional rear speakers, to create individualized listening zones for front occupants. The demonstration showcases a range of advanced voice technologies, including dynamic microphone bubbles with ECNR for four-seat telephony, personalized interactions with multiple in-car voice assistants, and In-Car Communication (ICC) to enhance conversations between passengers.
Extending beyond the cabin, visitors will also experience Speak Thru technology, enabling seamless two-way communication between people inside and outside the vehicle, as well as exterior voice control that allows commands to be issued to the vehicle from outside. Together, these technologies demonstrate how personalized audio and intelligent voice interaction can create more natural, connected experiences both inside and beyond the vehicle.
"Following CES, we wanted to demonstrate that collaborative innovation doesn't stop with a single concept vehicle," said Matt Marchese, Audio Foundry. "Each of the concept vehicles at AES explores a different challenge, from immersive entertainment to professional conferencing and personalised communication. Together, they show what's possible when companies with complementary expertise work together in the Audio Foundry."
Visitors to the Audio Foundry booth will experience how technologies originating across consumer electronics, conferencing, professional audio and automotive engineering can be combined to create the next generation of in-cabin experiences.
Reserve your demo slot by clicking here.
About Audio Foundry
Audio Foundry is an innovation ecosystem and makerspace with locations in Bridgend, UK, and San Rafael, California. It enables automotive OEMs and technology suppliers to rapidly bring audio and in-cabin technology concepts to life. Built on collaboration, shared resources, and rapid iteration, Audio Foundry supports the development of forward-thinking in-cabin experiences. audiofoundry.org
