- Volvo celebrates 70 years since its first seat belt prototype.
- The company is launching new ‘multi-adaptive’ seat belts on the EX60.
- The EX60 SUV goes on sale later this year.
Depending on who you ask, traditional seat belts were first introduced as a concept 70 years ago—happy birthday, sire. Although there is a bit of controversy regarding this When The first official seat belt was patented (inventors Roger Griswold and Hugh de Haven filed a patent in 1955), Volvo’s two-point cross-chested diagonal belt was considered the first of its kind when it debuted in 1956.
The Amazon prototype was the first vehicle to use Volvo’s new two-point belt, and went into production soon after. Just three years later, in 1959, Volvo became the first automaker to offer modern three-point seat belts as standard safety equipment on its vehicles. The final version was created by Volvo design engineer Nils Bohlin, and has since saved countless lives around the world.
To celebrate the occasion, Volvo is introducing new seat belt technology on its upcoming EX60 SUV, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year. The company calls it a “multi-adaptive” seat belt, and safety experts in Sweden hope it’s a big step forward in terms of safety in cars.
What Is a Multi-Adaptive Seat Belt?
Volvo EX60 Cross Country Interior
Photo by: Volvo
Here’s how it works. Multi-adaptive seat belts will use a network of sensors inside and outside the vehicle to collect real-time data on each occupant’s body shape, seat position, impact dynamics and deceleration intensity.
Based on this information, the system automatically adjusts the seat belt load and selects the optimal control strategy for each passenger. Larger passengers, for example, may receive more restraint force to reduce the risk of head injury, while lighter passengers receive less tension to minimize chest injury.
The goal is to go beyond traditional “one size fits all” seat belts, and provide protection for every individual in the car. The system is adaptive and constantly learning, adapting to different body types and potential road hazards. It also supports over-the-air software updates, ensuring technology improves over time.
“Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety evolution and innovation, and we are pleased to be able to continue to make new developments in important features such as seat belts,” said Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK. “The new multi-adaptive seat belts on the new EX60 are a testament to our pioneering technology and safety approach that continues today.”
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Source: Volvo
Motorcycle Pickup1: For 70 years, seat belts have remained largely unchanged. Now, the company that pioneered the traditional three-point belt is using technology to make its cars safer. It’s just a great use of technology.
