Volvo Introduces Groundbreaking Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt for Enhanced In-Car Safety
Volvo, known for pioneering the three-point seatbelt, has once again revolutionized in-car safety with the introduction of a new ‘multi-adaptive safety belt’. This innovative seatbelt utilizes sensors to analyze various factors such as occupant height, weight, body shape, and seating position, adjusting its response in the event of a crash.
According to Volvo, the multi-adaptive safety belt is designed to provide a higher belt load for larger occupants, reducing the risk of head injuries. On the other hand, it responds less severely to smaller passengers to minimize the impact on their ribs.
Developed in collaboration with ZF Lifetech, this advanced system is capable of assessing the nature of the impact and adjusting the level of force applied by the seatbelt in a fraction of a second, based on data collected from various sensors around the car.
Unlike traditional seatbelts with three load-limiting profiles, Volvo’s multi-adaptive safety belt offers 11 different profiles, allowing for a more customized and effective response to different occupants and crash scenarios.
The upcoming Volvo EX60 electric SUV, set to debut next year, will be the first vehicle to feature these cutting-edge seatbelts. Furthermore, Volvo plans to enhance the system through over-the-air software updates, ensuring continuous improvement over time.
As Volvo accumulates more crash safety data, the system will evolve to better understand occupants, new scenarios, and response strategies, further enhancing overall safety measures. Ã…sa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars’ Safety Centre, expressed excitement about the multi-adaptive safety belt, describing it as a significant milestone in automotive safety.
She stated, “The world’s first multi-adaptive safety belt represents a major upgrade to the traditional three-point safety belt, a Volvo invention that has saved over a million lives since its introduction in 1959.”
With a strong commitment to leveraging real-time data and technological advancements, Volvo continues to lead the way in automotive safety innovation, setting new standards for protecting occupants and reducing the impact of collisions.
