Passive safety systems in the era of automated driving

Passive safety systems, mainly airbags and seat belts, have played a vital role in reducing the impact of these crashes saving several hundred thousand lives around the world every year. While in the recent years automakers have focused more on active safety systems that help prevent accidents from happening, the role of passive safety systems remains as critical as before in mitigating the impacts of a crash if unavoidable. 

Automotive industry is counting on automated driving technology to further reduce accidents drastically. Autonomous vehicles are expected to eventually drive themselves most of the time, thereby reducing dependence on human drivers whose driving errors have remained the single most factor for sharp increase in accidents all these years.

This report offers an in-depth analysis of the role of passive safety systems in automated driving vehicles. Will automakers continue to offer airbags and seat belts in autonomous vehicles? How airbags and seat belts will be different in autonomous vehicles featuring flexible interiors, including new seating arrangements and seats that can be reclined more and swivelled. And how automotive suppliers are gearing up to offer airbags and seat belts for flexible interiors to ensure safety of every occupant?

1. Overview
a) Report summary
b) Research methodolgy
c) Introduction

2. Technology analysis
a) Overview
b) Autonomy: a key megatrend
c) Level 4/Level 5 vehicles to allow interior flexibility
d) Optimizing occupant safety in a flexible interior
e) Level 4/Level 5 autonomous vehicles still years away
f) Deployment faces regulatory hurdles

3. Market analysis
a) Global demand
b) Regional demand

4. Supplier analysis
a) Overview

5. Conclusion