Transforming interior concepts, autonomous vehicles pushing airbag technology trends

Automotive cockpit of the future and interior seating layouts are evolving airbag designs and expected to record strong growth driven by Level 2 and Level 3 automated vehicles

Airbags have been one of the essential passive safety technologies in vehicles, along with seatbelts. Automakers developed the idea to use airbags as a supplemental restraint system (SRS) for added occupants’ safety. With increasing safety regulations from rating bodies, such as New Car Assessment Programs (NCAP) and other regulatory authorities globally, awareness among individuals about vehicle safety is also contributing to instrumental increase in vehicle airbags. This development has led to airbags being mandatory in most of the developed nations, while other developing countries are gaining traction for this passive safety technology. Demand for different airbag types is also gaining interest with inclusion of active safety systems and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).