Keynote: Leveraging Acoustics Simulation for Better Alexa^® Devices

Watch this keynote talk to see how Amazon Lab126 uses the COMSOL Multiphysics^® software to simulate and validate microphone array performance in Alexa^® devices.

In this keynote talk from the COMSOL Conference 2025 Boston, Zhen (Jim) Sun of Amazon Lab126 discusses how he uses the Acoustics Module, an add-on to COMSOL Multiphysics^®, to optimize and assess the microphone array performance of Alexa® devices.

Sun begins the talk with an overview of the key acoustic challenges for microphones in real-world scenarios, before exploring multiple approaches to addressing these challenges, including microphone array optimization, loudspeaker component design, and system-level structural simulations. Sun then outlines his team's approach to various topics critical to acoustic optimization, such as:

• Microphone directivity

• Beamform design and evaluation

• Room impulse response simulations

• Real-world validations of simulation results

The talk concludes with Sun describing the impact of simulation on his team's products as well as their R&D workflow.

Zhen (Jim) Sun is a senior research engineer at Amazon Lab126 in the Devices organization, where he leads a specialized team focused on innovative acoustic hardware research and simulation. Sun holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from MIT.