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Draft:ClearMotion

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ClearMotion, Inc.
IndustryAutomotive
Founded2009; 16 years ago (2009)
FoundersZack Anderson, Shakeel Avadhany
Headquarters,
USA
Key people
  • Christian Steinmann: CEO
Websiteclearmotion.com

ClearMotion, Inc. is an American automotive technology company specializing in active suspension technologies and software-defined chassis systems. Founded out of MIT in 2009 by Zack Anderson and Shakeel Avadhany, the company is headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, with additional facilities in the UK and China.[1]

History

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ClearMotion originated from research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, initially focusing on regenerative suspension systems. The company, originally known as Levant Power, rebranded to ClearMotion in 2017. ClearMotion has secured funding from investors including Franklin Templeton, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Microsoft, Qualcomm, NIO Capital, Bridgestone, and New Enterprise Associates amassing over $350 million.[2][3]

In 2017, ClearMotion acquired Bose's Project Sound electromagnetic active suspension technology first demonstrated to press on a Lexus LS400 in 2016, along with the associated Bose Ride active car seat technology.[4][5]

In 2023, ClearMotion commenced construction of its first production facility in Changshu, China, with plans to produce up to 1.5 million units annually of its ClearMotion1 (CM1) active suspension system.[6]

The first implementation of ClearMotion1 suspension systems in production vehicles is in the Nio ET9, which began deliveries in March 2025.

Products

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ClearMotion1 (CM1)

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The ClearMotion1 system is a high-bandwidth[clarification needed] active suspension technology that replaces traditional shock absorbers with software-controlled electrohydraulic actuators. This setup allows for real-time adjustments to road conditions, with the goal of significantly reducing vehicle body motion and enhancing ride comfort.[7] The core component, known as the Activalve, is designed for rapid response to road disturbances, improving safety and passenger experience, according to ClearMotion.[8][9]

ClearMotion says its technologies enhance the autonomous driving experience by mitigating motion-induced discomfort, thereby enabling passengers to engage in productive activities during transit.[10] According to ClearMotion, the CM1 system's ability to reduce in-cabin motion by up to 75% compared to traditional suspension systems addresses common issues like motion sickness, which is particularly beneficial in autonomous vehicles where occupants are not focused on driving.[11][12][promotion?]

RoadMotion

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RoadMotion is ClearMotion's cloud-based platform that aggregates sensor data to create high-definition maps of road surfaces. These maps enable predictive adjustments to vehicle systems, potentially enhancing features like adaptive cruise control and autonomous driving capabilities by providing real-time information about upcoming road conditions.[13]

Partnerships

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In December 2023, ClearMotion announced a partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer NIO to integrate the CM1 system into NIO's upcoming models, with a production order of three million units.[14]

In April 2024, ClearMotion entered into a collaboration with Porsche AG to develop advanced chassis systems, including the integration of CM1 and RoadMotion technologies into Porsche vehicles.[15][16] ClearMotion is reportedly working with several additional European automakers.[17]

Additionally, ClearMotion has partnered with BWI Group, a global supplier of brake and suspension systems, to manufacture components for the CM1 system.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Green, Hannah (December 23, 2023). "ClearMotion secures $1B production order from Chinese EV maker". Boston Business Journal.
  2. ^ "ClearMotion: The road we're on". ClearMotion Blog. December 22, 2023.
  3. ^ "ClearMotion Smooths Path To Commercialization With $115M For AI-Driven Suspension Tech". Crunchbase News. 9 January 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  4. ^ Carnoy, David (2017-11-15). "Bose sells its futuristic car suspension system to ClearMotion". CNET. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
  5. ^ Glucker, Jeff (2018-05-15). "After 30 years, Bose-developed suspension tech will go into production". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
  6. ^ "ClearMotion opens factory in China, production of suspension systems to begin in 2024". CnEVPost. March 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  7. ^ Stewart, Jack (April 9, 2018). "Fancy New Suspension Could Make Car Rides a Lot Smoother". WIRED.
  8. ^ "CM1 - ClearMotion". ClearMotion. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  9. ^ Lampinen, Megan (July 3, 2023). "ClearMotion puts fresh spin on new mobility suspension tech". Automotive World.
  10. ^ "Motion Sick? This Tech Company Thinks It Might Have a Solution". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  11. ^ Simonite, Tom (April 26, 2018). "This startup hopes to keep barf bags out of self-driving cars". MIT Technology Review.
  12. ^ "ClearMotion looks into the future of autonomous vehicles". EV Design & Manufacturing. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  13. ^ "RoadMotion". ClearMotion. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  14. ^ "ClearMotion partners with NIO to make active suspension technology a reality for consumers". ClearMotion Blog. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  15. ^ "Porsche and US-based ClearMotion sign cooperation agreement". Porsche Newsroom. 4 September 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  16. ^ "Porsche partners with ClearMotion for its smooth suspension tech". Reuters. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  17. ^ Hoyal, Lois (April 17, 2025). "Supplier to Porsche, Nio draws interest in Europe, China for active chassis tech". Automotive News.
  18. ^ "BWI Group partners with ClearMotion for High-Volume Active Suspension Business". BWI Group. Retrieved May 7, 2025.