Volvo Develops Interior Radar to Prevent Accidental Child Lock-Ins

The automaker’s new tech depends on “occupant sensors” built into the overhead console, roof-mounted reading lamps, and the trunk. These monitor the vehicle’s entire interior for the smallest movements. Should a distracted parent or pet owner attempt to lock the vehicle with a child or animal inside, the vehicle will block the lock attempt and display a reminder to check the interior on the vehicle’s center console screen. It’ll also activate climate control to keep children and animals from overheating or freezing, the company said.

Most drivers swear themselves incapable of forgetting a child or pet in the car, but almost a thousand US children have died of hyperthermia in locked cars since 1998. The ASPCA estimates just as many pets die after being left in hot vehicles every year—either because they are forgotten or because owners think it’s safe to leave them behind. These deaths are preventable. According to Volvo, keeping the car unlocked, running climate control, and notifying drivers is the most practical way to achieve this.

Volvo’s flagship EX90 electric SUV will be the first of its fleet to include the radar. The automaker announced earlier this month that it would officially unveil the EX90 on November 9, but it’s revealed a few details in the days since. The new model is designed to be Volvo’s safest vehicle yet, with external sensors Volvo claims will reduce serious crashes by up to 20 percent. Another new internal sensor will monitor drivers’ eye movements, nudging those who appear to be sleepy or distracted and calling for help if a driver falls asleep at the wheel.

These features will eventually make their way to all of Volvo’s new vehicles. Volvo says it’ll include its interior sensors “in all countries where the 60GHz frequency used by the system is approved for automotive use,” so long as it receives the right regional approvals.

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