Development and demonstration of a bi-directional bone conduction transducer for voice communication

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**Introduction**Mobilus Labs (formerly named Noto Technologies LTD) is a company dedicated to developing a new generation of hands-free voice communications systems that exploit the principle of bi-directional bone conduction. This technology enables users, wearing personal protective equipment (ear defenders, safety helmets, respirators), to hold normal conversations with people and devices. Mobilus' lead product is a modular clip-on communication module that retrofits to the rear of a standard safety helmet and enables the user to access voice based systems (communication, voice control) regardless of their surroundings. The aspirational concept is a product that enhances the safety and productivity of people working in the construction/industrial sector.**Innovation**This concept is intrinsically novel, while parties have integrated bone conduction into consumer products Mobilus is unique in developing an industrially focused device for the PPE sector with two-way voice comms. Furthermore, the business has developed extensive IP and knowhow in the technologies required to ensure the appropriate quality and differentiation of wanted and unwanted acoustic signals in the presence of extreme noise.**Project motivation**Mobilus has developed an advanced prototype of the Mobilus solution using investor and Innovate UK funds (project \#9045, project-end: November 2019), this hardware unit is now the focus of commercial exploitation outside the remit of this application. However, the performance of the commercially available transducer components being used is currently limiting the true potential of the larger solution. The business needs to research, design, and develop their own bi-directional bone conduction transducer in order expand commercial growth and meet user expectations which include:* Hands free full-duplex voice communication (versus Push-to-Talk interfaces)* Ear-free compatibility with industry standard PPE* Resilience to environmental noise above 100dB* Resilience to high levels of Electromagnetic interference* Acoustic power efficiency to enable a device to last for a full 14 hour shift on a single charge.The motivation for this project is to enable the company to conduct a programme of technical research and development to develop this novel bi-directional bone conduction transducer that fully exploits the benefit of the Mobilus ear and hands free industrial communication platform. This R&D will enable the business to conduct crucial applied research and testing, supported by leading industrial actors and a set of expert subcontractors with vital access to expertise and facilities needed to develop and validate the Mobilus system.