Photo: ZF Lifetec
With its new “Infrared Belt”, ZF LIFETEC is combining passive safety with intelligent interior monitoring. The specially developed webbing features an integrated infrared signature that enables vehicle cameras not only to detect whether the seat belt is fastened, but also whether it is positioned correctly across the occupant’s body.
To achieve this, ZF LIFETEC combines different yarns with defined spectral properties. Their characteristic reflection and absorption make the belt clearly distinguishable from clothing, skin and seat surfaces in infrared images. Detection remains reliable regardless of colours or lighting conditions inside the vehicle. Camera systems can therefore also identify incorrect use, for example when the belt is routed under the arm or behind the occupant’s back.
The solution goes significantly beyond conventional buckle sensors. These only register whether the belt tongue has been inserted, but cannot determine whether the belt would provide its full protective effect in an accident. Compared with conventional RGB cameras, infrared-based material recognition is also designed to be more robust, as reflections and similar colours have less influence on detection.
“Our new seat belt enables infrared cameras to determine more precisely whether an occupant is protected in the best possible way. This creates the basis for higher-quality occupant recognition and significantly improves safety for drivers, front passengers and rear-seat occupants,” says Harald Lutz, Senior Vice President Research and Development at ZF LIFETEC.
The development comes as regulatory and safety requirements continue to increase. Interior cameras for detecting driver fatigue and distraction are becoming more important in Europe, while Euro NCAP intends to place greater emphasis on whether restraint systems are used correctly under real-world conditions. Series production of the Infrared Belt is scheduled to begin in August 2026.
ZF has been active in the field of autonomous driving across several business divisions for many years. The company has already won the eMove360° Award for Electric & Autonomous Mobility 2020, with it’s Autonomous Shuttle GRT3.
Infrared Belt – An Innovation Between Two Award Categories
The Infrared Belt is an interesting borderline case. Its innovative yarn and material design makes it a suitable candidate for the MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award. At the same time, it supports camera-based occupant recognition and therefore technologies that are increasingly relevant for automated and autonomous driving – making it equally suitable for the eMove360° Award for Electric & Autonomous Mobility.
Companies developing comparable innovations can submit their projects until 31 July 2026 and choose the award that best reflects the main technological focus of their solution.
Apply now for the MATERIALICA Award:
www.emove360.com/awards/materialica-award/
Apply now for the eMove360° Award:
www.emove360.com/awards/emove360/
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