The presentation of two papers demonstrates Meridian’s position at the forefront of automotive audio research, with the audio-tactile systems paper selected through peer review.

This year's conference, held from 29-31 July in Detroit - the heart of the US automotive industry - carries the theme 'Automotive Audio in the AI Era (Sounds of Future Cars)'. 

The theme speaks directly to Meridian's Future of Sound ethos: a human-centred approach to audio engineering that creates listening experiences which feel natural and authentic.

Both papers reflect Meridian's grounding in psychoacoustics: the science of how people perceive sound and the belief that exceptional audio begins with this human-first approach.

Paper 1 - Punch and rumble: does musical genre shape preferred transient-steady-state balance in audio-tactile systems?

Presented by Dominic Bowers, Automotive Engineer, Meridian Audio

This research, carried out in collaboration with JLR’s audio engineering team, explores audio-tactile, or haptic, systems: the technology that lets occupants feel sound as well as hear it. Drawing on a 50-subject study conducted in a representative automotive seat, it examines whether the balance of “punch” and “rumble” should adapt to musical genre, advancing Meridian’s pioneering work in Vibrohaptic Audio.

Paper 2 - The design of broadband acoustic metamaterial lenses via differentiable simulations

Presented by Fraser Todd, R&D Engineer, Meridian Audio

This study introduces a new method to steer sound within the cabin. Because listeners are rarely seated directly in front of a speaker, the ability to direct sound off-axis is a significant engineering challenge. Using acoustic metamaterials and a novel design method based on differentiable simulations, the research demonstrates how a speaker's response can be shifted away from on-axis, verified with a 3D-printed lens and acoustic measurement.

John Buchanan, CEO of Meridian Audio, said: "Since 1977, original research and advanced engineering have led everything we do, and we have continually pushed boundaries and challenged industry norms. To be selected to present two papers at AES this year is recognition of Meridian's role in shaping the future of in-car sound and demonstrates our pioneering approach, our engineering capabilities and the talent of our team."

Meridian entered the automotive industry in 2008, launching its first in-car sound systems in 2010 with McLaren. Since then, Meridian has engineered sound for some of the world's most ambitious automotive brands. Today, its proprietary audio technologies are experienced in vehicles worldwide in Range Rover, Defender, Jaguar, Discovery, AVATR, KIA and TOGG.
 
Meridian is proud to return to AES this year, following previous presentations at AES and other leading audio and acoustics conferences, further underlining the company’s role in advancing automotive audio research.

Both papers from the 2026 AES Automotive Audio Conference will be presented at the conference and published in the AES E-Library afterwards.