Honda's 'intelligent' airbag

Honda has launched what it calls the worlds' first intelligent driver-side airbag in Japan.

Developed by Honda, the i-SRS airbag system uses a spiral-shaped seam structure and a gas release control valve that controls the deployment and the pressure of the airbag.

This allows the airbag to deploy quicker, but also reduces the impact of the airbag on the occupant.

Furthermore, the airbag remains inflated for longer (it has a maximum volume of 60 litres) and is effective over a range of occupant positions and collision types.

Honda is already working on a passenger-side i-SRS airbag system using the same technology.

The Honda Life, which is sold only in Japan, will be the first model to be fitted with the new airbag system. The intelligent system is expected to extend to other Honda models over a few years.