Volvo Cars has once again landed on Time magazine’s Best Inventions list – this time for its world-first multi-adaptive safety belt, debuting in the upcoming EX60 SUV.
Using real-time data from the car’s sensors, the system adjusts tension based on the situation and who’s in the seat – adapting to size, weight, and crash severity. A heavier occupant in a serious collision gets higher belt load to reduce head injury risk; a lighter passenger gets less force to prevent rib damage.
It’s a subtle but major leap forward in safety tech, and unlike most innovations, this one improves with every software update.
Last year, Volvo featured on the list for its pioneering Driver Understanding System, available in the Volvo EX90 and ES90, uses real-time sensing technology to help detect if a driver is impaired, tired or distracted, so the car can step in to provide support if needed.
For more Time Best Inventions 2025 winners, click here.
