In a remarkable blend of technology, music, and innovation, Kia Europe and Innocean Berlin have unveiled Soundscapes — a transformative travel initiative aimed at enriching the perception of movement and the environment, particularly for users with vision loss. The goal is to foster a more inclusive travel experience while awakening emotional connections to the journey.
At the core of the Soundscapes project is the inventive notion of translating landscapes into music. Thanks to the cutting-edge AI technology in the Kia EV9, the vehicle’s ADAS captures the surroundings, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in a rich soundscape that reacts dynamically to the environment.
David Hilbert, Marketing Director at Kia Europe, expressed, “At Kia, we believe movement inspires ideas, so we wanted to give visually impaired passengers the opportunity to experience the world differently.” The Soundscapes project represents Kia’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through innovation.
Innocean Berlin collaborated with creative coder Harald Schaack to develop a system that maps visual elements into musical facets. Music producer Wonder Bettin contributed by establishing a sonic language, where sounds correlate with natural objects, reflecting their characteristics through music. This collaboration creates a breathtaking AI-generated score that evolves according to the terrain, allowing passengers to “hear” their journey.
Kia presented this extraordinary experience to two individuals with vision loss, taking them on a road trip through stunning landscapes. Their emotional journeys were captured in a short film series, highlighting the profound effect of combining technology with empathy.
Gabriel Mattar, CCO at Innocean Berlin, remarked, “Soundscapes allows people to experience the world in a completely new way.” This initiative not only embodies Kia’s philosophy of ‘Movement that Inspires’ but also signifies a commitment to crafting meaningful experiences amidst the wonders of travel.
Kia Europe and Innocean Berlin have launched Soundscapes, an innovative travel initiative designed to enhance the journey for individuals with vision loss by converting landscapes into immersive soundscapes. This project utilises the advanced AI system in the Kia EV9 to create unique musical experiences based on the surrounding environment. Collaborators include creative coder Harald Schaack and music producer Wonder Bettin, who crafted the sonic elements representing natural objects. The initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and meaningful experiences in travel.
In conclusion, the Soundscapes initiative represents an innovative leap in accessible travel experiences, merging technology with artistry to challenge traditional perceptions. By converting landscapes into auditory experiences, Kia and Innocean Berlin are paving a path towards inclusivity and emotional connection for all travellers, particularly those with vision impairments. As David Hilbert and Gabriel Mattar convey through their insights, this groundbreaking project is a testament to using creativity and technology to inspire movement and connection in a truly unique way.
Original Source: www.medianews4u.com
