Future External Airbags Reduce Collision Damage

Many people have probably thought of surrounding the outside of vehicles in a pillow to prevent injury and damage during collisions. Though it may seem like a crazy thought, one German Company has come close to making it a reality, but instead of pillows airbags are used.

German based ZF is developing an external airbag that will deploy before a collision happens. Radars are used to monitor potential collision threats. Once a threat is detected, the airbag is launched in fractions of a second if needed. The primary focus of this airbag will be to limit vehicle penetration on side impacts, reducing damage and personal injury. The bag inflates with 5-8 times the amount of air that a normal steering wheel airbag would, and covers the lower half of the side of the vehicle.

A system such as this has excellent potential for minimizing personal injury in a side impact. However, the effects on collision repair are yet to be fully determined. Though the physical damaged to the vehicle structure should be lessened because of the airbag’s protection making a more repairable vehicle. There would be additional steps to replace the airbags and the potential of required steps of calibrating system sensors after a deployment. Check out more information on this new system by going to Repairer Driven News.


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Repairer Driven News: Rivian Updates Door Handle Procedure Sunday, 4 February 2035

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) released an article featuring an updated Rivian procedure.

  • 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Results Monday, 30 June 2025

    The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference took place on June 26, 2025. Every year I-CAR sends volunteers (virtually in 2021) to judge the collision repair technology competition....

  • Ford/Lincoln Rocker Panel Reinforcement Sectioning Friday, 27 June 2025

    We are often asked, “Can I section this panel?” Let’s take a look at Ford/Lincoln vehicles and sectioning the rocker panel reinforcement.

  • Back-To-Basics: Backside Panel Refinish And Edging Thursday, 26 June 2025

    Sometimes, going back to the basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. When repairing and refinishing, you might need to refinish the panel's backside and edges.

  • Hyundai Position Statement: Pre- And Post-Repair System Scanning - UPDATE Monday, 23 June 2025

    Hyundai released an updated position statement relating to pre- and post-repair system scanning.

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...

  • Digital Key Considerations Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Back-To-Basics: Tire Tread Pattern Wednesday, 11 June 2025

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Let’s see how to identify tire tread patterns and their repair considerations.

  • Corrosion Protection Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    A key factor in collision repair is making long-lasting repairs. When a vehicle is repaired, many areas of corrosion protection are disturbed. This creates corrosion hot spots that, left untreated,...

  • Rivian Restraints Wiring Thursday, 5 June 2025

    The question is often asked, "Can supplemental restraints system wiring be repaired?" The answer is: it depends on the vehicle maker. Let's take a look at Rivian's position on this subject.