ZF Lifetec Introduces The Active Heel Airbag

ZF Lifetec has introduced an innovation in the automotive safety segment, namely the Active Heel Airbag. The system can be adapted to almost any car model and will be available to car manufacturers from 2028.

The new technology is designed to reduce the risk of serious foot injuries during car accidents, especially when the seats are in a reclined, comfortable position. This is especially important for cars with autopilot.

In a normal seating position, the vehicle floor provides sufficient support for the feet of the driver and front passenger, ensuring a stable heel support point and a controlled knee path. This allows the knee joint to enter the airbag at an optimal angle, maximizing its protective properties. A large part of the impact energy is transmitted through the femur, the strongest bone in the human body. However, tests have shown that when the seat is tilted back, the distance between the heel and the footrest increases, and the connection to the floor is no longer optimal, requiring an additional heel support point.

Active Heel Airbag technology can be used for comfortable seating positions. In the future, the system could be activated by pressing a comfort position button or via cameras to monitor the interior of the vehicle, e.g., in autopilot mode.

By deepening the pedals, the airbag creates an even contact surface for the feet in the event of a collision. This reduces the risk of injuries caused by twisting the foot after contact with the pedals.

The Active Heel Airbag is integrated directly into the footwell, requiring no additional space, and in the event of a collision, the airbag inflates from under the floor mat. The system can be adapted to almost any car model and will be available to car manufacturers from 2028.

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