Toyota Active Headrest

Toyota is currently working on the development of a new headrest system called the

Active Headrest

This is designed to reduce whiplash injuries from low-speed rear impact collisions. The trigger unit is located at the lower end the seatback. It activates when the occupant’s lower back is press against it during a rear collision. This trigger causes the headrest to move diagonally upwards (30mm high and 25mm forward), fast enough to catch the back of your head before whiplash happens. In-house testing showed that whiplash injury severity was reduced by between 10-20% and 15%, but this cannot be guaranteed as Toyota cannot assume that all drivers are sitting in the same manner (seatbelt, position etc). This is a great innovation from the land that’s rising sun and will soon be featured in new vehicles. After the jump, a press release.