► Volvo announces new ‘multi-adaptive safety belt’
► Uses data and sensors reduce injuries
► Measures size and weight of occupants
Volvo has reinvented the seatbelt. The Swedish brand that originally invented the safety belt in 1959 has given it another crack, designing a new ‘multi-adaptive safety belt’ that’s designed to respond and react better in the event of a crash.
In short, the new seatbelt uses data and additional sensors to better adapt to the size and weight of the occupant, meaning it can provide a more measured load limit during a crash.
Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo’s safety centre, says the new belt is ‘a great example of how we leverage real-time data with the ambition to help save millions of more lives.’
Volvo says the new belt ‘adapts the setting based on the situation and individual’s profiles, such as their height, weight, body shape and seating position.’ In other words, larger or heavier people need a higher belt load in an accident than a smaller or lighter occupant. Doing so, according to Volvo, can limit head injuries in larger occupants and rib fractures in smaller ones.
The seatbelt also uses data that transmits during a crash, with Volvo saying while the crash is happening the seatbelt can apply the most appropriate level of tension to keep the occupants safe. The tech is also designed to learn, with Volvo promising that future over-the-air updates can make the system smarter.
The first car we’ll see this in is the new EX60, which Volvo confirms will officially launch in 2026.