ZF unveils external side airbag, promises mass production

ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a German aftermarket car parts manufacturer, has unveiled a prototype airbag design that it claims is ready for mass production.

The company says you can install the airbags at the sides of the cabin to protect the driver and passengers from severe injuries in case of a side collision. It claims the technology is ‘the world’s first,’ although we’ve seen similar solutions offered before. However, while those were mostly prototypes, ZF looks determined to propel the new safety accessory onto the mass market.

The external airbag comes controlled by an electronic module that connects to sensors, cameras, radars and LIDARs to determine the impact and react within 150 milliseconds.

The airbag inflates to a volume between 280 and 400 liters (9.9 – 14.1 ft.), which is 5 to 8 times as large as the standard built-in driver’s airbag. It is designed to occupy the space under the door sills and expand upwards from there.

Photos: carscoops.com