Volvo’s New “Smart” Seat Belt: A Safety Leap Forward- Volvo, the very company that pioneered the three-point seat belt back in 1959, has once again revolutionized car safety with its unveiling of a groundbreaking “smart” seat belt. This innovative design marks a significant advancement, capable of adapting to individual occupants and even receiving updates over Wi-Fi.
What makes this new belt so remarkable are the more than 10 built-in sensors. These sensors can intelligently determine a passenger’s weight, height, posture, their exact position in the seat, and even the seat’s angle. This sophisticated data allows the belt to precisely adjust its tension before an accident occurs. For instance, a larger passenger will experience a firmer restraint to better protect against head injuries during a crash, while a smaller individual will be held less tightly to minimize the risk of rib fractures.
Beyond internal sensing, this next-generation seat belt also integrates with the vehicle’s own sensor systems. It will receive crucial data like speed, turning radius, and information about nearby vehicles, further enhancing its ability to optimally distribute holding force during an impact.
In a move towards continuous improvement, the new belts are designed to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates via Wi-Fi. This means the system will become even more sophisticated and effective with each software update.
Volvo proudly highlights its historical impact, reminding us that its Swedish engineer, Nils Bohlin, developed the original three-point belt, first introduced in the Volvo PV 544 in 1959. The company estimates that seat belts have saved over a million lives since their invention. Volvo is calling its latest creation “seat belt 2.0,” deeming it the most significant improvement to the design since its inception.
Drivers can expect to see this advanced seat belt make its debut in the upcoming Volvo EX60 electric crossover, slated for release in 2026. This promises to be another stride forward in Volvo’s enduring commitment to vehicle safety.