Toronto, Ontario — A Michigan-based auto seat supplier and a Swedish automotive safety company say they’ve come up with a new seating system that makes it safer for passengers in reclined positions.
Adient plc, Michigan-based automotive seating supplier, and Autoliv Inc., a Swedish company specializing in automotive safety systems, have announced a new dynamic seat safety system designed to improve occupant protection in reclined seating positions.
The companies said October 13 that the jointly developed technology combines Adient’s Z-Guard seat structure with Autoliv’s restraint and airbag systems to maintain protection when traditional upright restraints are less effective.
“Z-Guard represents a major advancement in occupant protection for the evolving vehicle interior,” said Jörg Buchheim, Adient’s executive vice-president of engineering. “By combining Adient’s seat expertise with Autoliv’s proven safety technologies, we’ve created a system that provides optimized protection regardless of the seating position.”
The Z-Guard system includes an active cushion that collapses in a controlled manner during a crash to absorb energy and optimize occupant posture. It also features an adjustable seat belt outlet that adapts to body type and seating position.
“Future vehicles will allow for greater flexibility and comfort, but safety must always remain the priority,” said Mikael Bratt, president and chief executive officer of Autoliv. “Our collaboration with Adient demonstrates how the industry can innovate to ensure the same high level of protection in any seating configuration.”
Adient representatives said the technology is designed for integration with advanced driver-assistance systems and can automatically reposition the seat when a collision is detected. If repositioning is not possible, the system deploys pre-tensioners and airbag modules to reduce injury risk.
The Z-Guard launch reflects a wider industry trend toward the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems into parts of the vehicle once considered inert. As automation increases, components such as seats, steering columns, and restraints are being reimagined as active participants in occupant safety rather than fixed structures. Manufacturers are using predictive sensors tied to ADAS platforms to prepare cabin systems milliseconds before a crash, reducing injury risk through pre-positioning and controlled energy absorption.
