Volvo's adaptive seatbelt is capable of split-second decision-making, analysing inputs like crash direction, speed, and body orientation almost instantly.
By Reetika Bhatt
Volvo is raising the bar for in-car safety with the upcoming EX60, which will become the first vehicle in the world to feature a multi-adaptive seatbelt. Building on the legacy of the three-point seatbelt it invented over six decades ago, Volvo’s latest innovation uses sensor data to automatically adjust seatbelt tension and load response according to each passenger’s physical profile. From taller occupants to shorter ones, the system calibrates belt resistance in milliseconds during a crash, optimising protection and comfort. It is a move aimed at reducing specific injury risks like rib fractures or head trauma. Set to launch in 2026, this safety-first feature underscores Volvo’s continued leadership in reimagining occupant protection for the modern era.
The Swedish carmaker is preparing to launch a new era in occupant safety with the upcoming EX60, which will be the first vehicle to feature its revolutionary multi-adaptive seatbelt system. Designed to deliver a more personalised level of protection, this next-gen restraint technology adapts in real time to the passenger’s build, posture, and seating position using sensor data from across the vehicle.
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Unlike conventional load limiters that apply a fixed level of force, Volvo’s new system can fine-tune seatbelt tension across 11 distinct settings, offering more precise injury mitigation in various crash scenarios. The amount of force applied varies based on the occupant’s physical characteristics – heavier individuals will be given higher belt loads in serious collisions to reduce the chance of head trauma, while lighter occupants will experience softer restraints to prevent rib damage in lower-impact crashes.
The adaptive seatbelt is capable of split-second decision-making, analysing inputs like crash direction, speed, and body orientation almost instantly. Its performance will also continue to evolve through over-the-air software updates, with Volvo leveraging insights from a vast archive of real accident data compiled from more than 80,000 cases over five decades.
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This advanced belt system is just one part of a wider integrated safety approach. It works alongside semi-autonomous driving features, airbags, and occupant detection systems to create a more responsive and protective cabin environment. Developed at the company’s state-of-the-art crash test facility – known for exceeding global safety testing norms – this technology signals Volvo’s continued push to redefine crash safety for modern road conditions.