ZF reveals adaptive restraint systems through intelligent occupant monitoring
ZF is using this week’s InCabin conference in Barcelona to showcase its pioneering solutions for adaptive restraint systems, which are based on advanced occupant monitoring technology.
Using advanced camera and sensor fusion, the system identifies and classifies vehicle occupants in real time. This enables adaptive deployment of airbags and seatbelts tailored to individual seating positions and postures.
With this new technology, ZF says vehicle manufacturers can respond more precisely to real-world crash scenarios by adaptively adjusting restraint systems, which is a key step toward improving real-life safety.
The systems meet Euro NCAP’s 2026 and 2030 roadmap requirements, including occupant monitoring and frontal crash protection.
“With the shift toward automated driving and the resulting redesign of vehicle interiors, adaptive restraint systems are becoming increasingly relevant,” says Harald Lutz, head of research and development at ZF LIFETEC.
“Accurate occupant recognition is essential — it forms the basis for flexible, individualised safety architecture.”
Philipp Russ, who is responsible for occupant recognition at ZF LIFETEC, adds: “To enable targeted, software-driven adjustment of restraint systems, we use algorithms that reliably detect occupant properties.”
Visitors to InCabin 2025 will have the opportunity to experience this technology firsthand in the new demo vehicle. The system solution features precise detection of children and child seats to adjust airbag deployment, seat occupancy recognition to provide reliable seatbelt warnings, and support for emergency response chains.
The system also provides alerts for incorrect seatbelt usage and occupant classification for customised restraint strategies. Additionally, it detects out-of-position seating and issues timely warnings or suppresses the activation of safety-critical systems.
With this, ZF says it positions itself as a trusted system integrator and development partner for global OEMs, helping them respond to evolving Euro NCAP star rating criteria through 2030.