Volvo Cars’ multi-adaptive safety belt, which will debut in the upcoming EX60, has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025.

This is the second year in a row that Volvo will be included for safety innovations. 

The new multi-adaptive safety belt is designed to be dynamic, adapting to traffic conditions and the person wearing it. 

It is also designed to continuously improve via over-the-air software updates and will “learn” based on data feedback received from drivers in various scenarios. 

The new safety belt will be introduced in the upcoming Volvo EX60 on January 21, 2026, during a livestreamed event from Stockholm, Sweden.

Volvo Cars Announces Safety Belt Technology

Volvo Cars has introduced a new safety belt technology called the multi-adaptive safety belt. This technology is scheduled for implementation in the fully electric Volvo EX60 in 2026.

The multi-adaptive safety belt is engineered to adapt its function based on real-time data received from the vehicle’s sensors. It adjusts the belt’s load settings in accordance with the specific characteristics of the occupant, including height, weight, body shape, and seating position. For example, a heavier occupant involved in a serious crash will experience a higher belt load setting, while a lighter occupant in a milder crash will experience a lower load setting in order to avoid rib fractures. 

This adaptation is enabled by expanding the number of load-limiting profile variations in the event of a crash in order to manage the force applied to the occupants. 

The system analyzes data collected from various sensors, including crash sensors, to determine factors such as the direction and speed of the impact, as well as the posture of the occupant. Based on this analysis, the belt system selects an appropriate setting.

The safety belt will receive over-the-air software updates. These updates will incorporate new data and insights to refine the system’s performance over time.

Volvo Cars’ safety development is informed by a database containing data from over 80,000 real-world crash cases. This information supports ongoing research and has contributed to the establishment of internal safety standards.

The safety belt has undergone development and testing at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre crash lab. The facility is capable of recreating a wide range of traffic accident scenarios and conducting tests that are conducive to real-world safety.