Next-Level Safety: Volvo's Genius Virtual Safety Belt
Volvo invents a digital safety restraint system for vehicles
Who doesn't cheer for the seat belt? Benny, a daring rescue paramedic from Lake Ammer, is undeniably a fan. He often wrestles with the aftermath of accidents, and firmly believes, "Airbags and safety features already minimise crash damages—but without a securely fastened seat belt, numerous lives would be at stake." Yet, Benny is critical of the dated system, "It's still quite a primitive device: it yanks harshly and shoves you back into your seat. It can even cause injuries. But there's no other way about it."
Enter the geniuses at Volvo. The Swedish innovators are officially giving the trusty seat belt an upgrade, christening it the "multi-adaptive safety belt." This brainchild can finely tune itself to various passengers and road conditions, all thanks to advanced sensors and processing algorithms.
"It's agonising to witness cases of broken ribs in slender women due to sudden, abrupt force or head injuries in tall passengers," shares accident researcher Lotta Jakobsson. But Volvo's dynamic belt has the power to change all of that. This smart belt can adapt its force to fit the individual – their size, weight, body shape, and seating position, while also considering the crash situation.
In 1959, the Swedes first introduced the three-point seat belt, a design somewhat arbitrary for today's diverse population. "But not everyone conforms to the average," rightly points out Lotta. Volvo's revolutionary belt can now optimise force to replicate a customised fit, rather than the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. SuchLoad-Limit Profiles, as they’re called, were available before, but connecting to data computers, sensors, and cameras allowed for more tailoredforce adaptation across multiple crash scenarios.[1]
Volvo's EV EX60, set to hit the roads next year, will double the number of available profiles, and in new vehicles on the same platform, the belt promises to become even more nuanced.[3] Continuous learning from its experiments, real accidents, and data evaluations allows the system to evolve wirelessly and persistently.[2]
Welcome to the Digital Cocoon
While the seat belt is just one example of digital enhancement within the vehicle, it's a powerful one. The car's brain, a sophisticated system of cameras, radar, LiDAR, and processing technology, forms a protective digital cocoon, keeping both the vehicle and its surroundings under constant watchful eyes.
Data takes centre stage as the safety feature of the future, and the Swedes are sitting on a mountain of it. Volvo's experts have been evaluating real-life accidents since the 70s, analyzing over 43,000 accidents and 72,000 individuals, laying the foundation for several of the safety solutions now in circulation.[2]
The upcoming SUV EX90 introduces "Safe Space Technology," where a powerful central computer takes cues from cameras, radar, and LiDAR to process real-time data from the environment. This advanced intelligence detects other automobiles, pedestrians, or cyclists, even in challenging lighting conditions, up to 250 meters away.[2] Utilising artificial intelligence, it simulates potential hazardous scenarios to be prepared for the unexpected.
The system learns to react adaptively to unforeseen obstacles, animals, and extreme weather conditions by analysing real images and transforming them into three-dimensional, lifelike visualisations.[4] Volvo's main concern extends beyond the outside world, too. Its driver understanding system relies on cameras and sensors to monitor the driver's state, alerting them should they appear drowsy, distracted, or no longer attentive. If necessary, the system takes over the vehicle, slowing down and ultimately stopping it, while also alerting emergency services if needed.[4]
Data: The New Defence Shield
The continuous connection between vehicles, authorities, insurers, and service providers shapes the emerging trend of smarter, more alert safety systems. While this new wave raises privacy concerns among privacy advocates, Volvo emphasises the need for transparency and open dialogue about such intrusions into driving behaviour.[4]
You can count on Volvo to keep your wellbeing a priority and your personal data anonymous while doing so.[4] Several manufacturers are less clear in their intentions surrounding this technology. Regardless, the future of riding safely is looking brighter than ever.
[1] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2109.16098.pdf[2] https://twitter.com/VolvoCars/status/1502635586773675008[3] https://sv.autobild.de/auto/news/volt-x-c40-recharge-uber-1-mil-autos-verkauft-19785463.html[4] https://auto-welt.de/news/aktuell/volvo-entwickelt-multi-adaptiver-sicherheitsgurt.html[5] https://www.havemybouncycastle.com/post/mitigating-crash-consequences-volvo-develops-multi-adaptive-seat-belt
- Volvo Models
- Road Safety
- Vehicle Technology
- The Volvo EX60, scheduled for release next year, will incorporate advanced data-and-cloud-computing technology, enhancing safety features such as the seat belt, as part of its ongoing commitment to road safety and industry innovation.
- As Volvo continues to leverage data from real-world accidents, its vocational training programs in transportation and automotive technology help ensure that industry professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to implement cutting-edge safety solutions like the multi-adaptive safety belt.
- Financial institutions are increasingly interested in partnering with automotive companies like Volvo, recognizing the importance of technology in vehicle safety and the potential for increased safety ratings and consumer trust, which can lead to improved market position and favorable financing options.
