Modern car users are calling out for more screens. In general, experts believe that future motorists will attach much higher value to a car’s interior, making it a key purchase criterion. “With our Bag-in-Roof, designers can make their dashboards as deep, spacious, narrow, functional – or even digital – as they like,” emphasizes Bustos.
But that’s not all. The airbag module also reduces loads and stresses on the windshield. This interaction between airbag and windshield could generate stress on the glass under certain circumstances. Whereas, the roof-mounted airbag deploys in parallel with the windshield, reducing the risk of stress to the glass.
In short, the Bag-in-Roof offers many advantages. But why should front-seat passengers be the only ones to benefit? “We currently work on developing roof-mounted airbags for front passengers, and we believe that in the future, roof-mounted airbags could also be used to protect rear-seat passengers,” explains Bustos. For rear-seat passengers, the airbag would unfold along the back of the front seats. In the future, new cockpit and steering-wheel designs could see the Bag-in-Roof helping to protect drivers as well.