Volvo’s new seatbelts use real-time data to adapt to different body types

Volvo is looking to boost its estimation for information with the merchandise of a caller “multi-adaptive information belt” that uses real-time information from the vehicle’s sensors to amended support the idiosyncratic wearing it.

Seatbelt exertion hasn’t changed overmuch since Volvo patented one of the archetypal modern three-point information belts successful the aboriginal 1960s. But cars person changed significantly, adding sensors, cameras, and high-powered computers to powerfulness precocious operator assistance features and anti-crash technology.

Now, Volvo wants to enactment those gadgets to enactment for seatbelts. Modern information belts usage load limiters to power however overmuch unit the information loop applies connected the quality assemblage during a crash. Volvo says its caller information loop expands the load-limiting profiles from 3 to 11 and increases the imaginable fig of settings, enabling it to tailor its show to circumstantial situations and individuals.

As such, Volvo tin usage sensor information to customize seatbelts based connected a person’s height, weight, assemblage shape, and seating position. A larger occupant, for example, would person a higher loop load mounting to assistance trim the hazard of a caput wounded successful a crash, portion a smaller idiosyncratic successful a milder clang would person a little loop load mounting to trim the hazard of rib fractures.

During a crash, Volvo says its vehicles’ information systems volition stock sensor information — specified arsenic direction, speed, and rider posture — with multi-adaptive seatbelts to find however overmuch unit to use to the occupant’s body. And utilizing over-the-air bundle updates, Volvo promises that the seatbelts tin amended implicit time.

Volvo has antecedently deviated from accepted practices to present caller technologies meant to underscore its committedness to safety. The institution limits the apical velocity connected each of its vehicles to 112 mph — notably beneath the 155 mph established by a “gentleman’s agreement” betwixt Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW to trim the fig of fatalities connected the Autobahn.

The caller seatbelts volition debut successful the Volvo EX60, the automaker’s mid-sized electrical SUV which is scheduled to travel retired adjacent year.