Nissan uses 180 year-old invention to tackle smartphone distraction behind the wheel

Nissan GB has adopted a technology that’s almost 200 years old to create a concept solution for reducing the growing problem of smartphone distraction at the wheel. The Nissan Signal Shield is a prototype compartment within the arm rest of a Nissan Juke that is lined with a Faraday cage, an invention dating back to the 1830s, consisting of an enclosure made of a conductive material, such as wire mesh, which blocks electromagnetic fields. Once a mobile device is placed in the compartment and the lid closed,
May 4, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
838 Nissan GB has adopted a technology that’s almost 200 years old to create a concept solution for reducing the growing problem of smartphone distraction at the wheel.


The Nissan Signal Shield is a prototype compartment within the arm rest of a Nissan Juke that is lined with a Faraday cage, an invention dating back to the 1830s, consisting of an enclosure made of a conductive material, such as wire mesh, which blocks electromagnetic fields.

Once a mobile device is placed in the compartment and the lid closed, the Nissan Signal Shield creates a silent zone, blocking all incoming and outgoing cellular, 1835 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. Connections are restored by opening the armrest.

The concept is designed to give drivers a choice about whether to eliminate the distractions caused by text messages, social media notifications and app alerts. Drivers can still listen to music or podcasts stored on their smartphone by connecting to the car’s entertainment system via the USB or auxiliary ports.

Related Content

  • May 10, 2019
    Wi-SUN: here’s why mesh networking works
    There are several networking options available for smart city planners. Phil Beecher of Wi-SUN Alliance makes the case for wireless mesh networks when it comes to rolling out IoT solutions The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing fast. Connecting thousands of sensors and control systems in bi-directional networks is paving the way for a new generation of smart city and transport infrastructures. For many of these applications, wireless connectivity is essential where cable installation is not practical.
    Read More
  • November 27, 2013
    Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: a solution or another problem?
    Do Advanced Driver Assistance Systems represent a positive step forward for safety, or something of a safety risk? Jason Barnes discusses the issue with leading industry figures. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are already common. Anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control are well understood and are either fitted as standard or frequently requested by new vehicle buyers. More advanced ADAS features are appearing on many top-end vehicles and the trickle-down has already started. Adaptive
    Read More
  • March 31, 2017
    Smartphone solution for parking performance
    Automated parking offers optimised space utilisation and fewer damage complaints as David Crawford discovers. As cars become smarter, technology designed to make parking them more straightforward is developing in parallel. In turn, it is becoming clear that the places where vehicles spend much of their time will need to respond – more comprehensively than by supporting established aids such as smartphone-based parking location and reservation, or payment for time used.
    Read More
  • March 31, 2017
    Smartphone solution for parking performance
    Automated parking offers optimised space utilisation and fewer damage complaints as David Crawford discovers. As cars become smarter, technology designed to make parking them more straightforward is developing in parallel. In turn, it is becoming clear that the places where vehicles spend much of their time will need to respond – more comprehensively than by supporting established aids such as smartphone-based parking location and reservation, or payment for time used.
    Read More

Highlighted Content