Summary:
Volvo is enhancing its legacy of automotive safety by upgrading the iconic three-point seatbelt it introduced in 1959. While this original design has saved millions of lives and been universally adopted, Volvo is now leveraging modern technology to make it smarter and more adaptive. The new “multi-adaptive safety belt” will debut in the upcoming EX60 electric SUV, arriving next year.
Unlike traditional seatbelts that assume all passengers have similar body sizes and seating positions, this advanced system uses sensors to analyze a person’s height, weight, body shape, and seating position. It also assesses crash details, such as impact direction and severity, in real time. Based on this data, the system adjusts the belt’s load to suit each individual, aiming to reduce injuries more effectively.
Most seatbelts currently use three load limiter profiles, but Volvo’s version offers 11 for greater customization. Larger passengers receive higher belt loads to prevent head injuries, while smaller occupants get lower loads to avoid rib fractures. Developed at Volvo’s Safety Centre in Sweden, the system will improve over time with OTA updates that integrate real-world crash data. After the EX60, the new belt will be added to future Volvo models.
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