Autoliv & RS Taichi Unveil Airbag Vest to Revolutionize Rider Safety

STOCKHOLM, March 24, 2026 – Autoliv, the global leader in automotive safety systems, today announced a landmark partnership with renowned motorcycle gear manufacturer RS Taichi to launch its first complete wearable airbag system for riders. The new product, the RS Taichi Airbag Vest T-SABE, marks a significant strategic move for Autoliv, extending its life-saving technology from inside the car to the open road and signaling a new era of advanced protection for motorcyclists.

This collaboration aims to reduce the risk of critical injuries during motorcycle crashes by integrating decades of automotive safety expertise into a single, wearable garment. The vest is set to make its official debut at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show later this week.

A New Frontier in Rider Protection

For years, Autoliv has been a key supplier of components for airbag vests, but the T-SABE represents a major evolution. It is the company's first fully developed wearable protection system, engineered entirely in-house from initial concept through rigorous system validation. This allows the firm to apply its vast knowledge of biomechanics, real-life safety research, and crash dynamics directly to the unpredictable nature of motorcycle accidents.

The system is built upon a foundation of precision and speed. While specific technical details are being held for the official launch, the market trend points towards an autonomous electronic system. Unlike older tethered systems that deploy when a rider is physically separated from the motorcycle, modern electronic vests use a suite of integrated sensors - typically gyroscopes and accelerometers - and sophisticated AI-powered algorithms to detect a crash scenario in milliseconds, often before the rider even makes impact.

"The collaboration with RS Taichi serves as another milestone in delivering on our commitment to expand mobility safety and develop cutting-edge protective systems for motorcycle riders," said Fabien Dumont, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Autoliv. "By working closely with partners like RS Taichi, who design and manufacture motorcycle rider gear, we can bring proven protection and raising the bar for rider safety."

Entering a Competitive Safety Landscape

Autoliv and RS Taichi are entering a dynamic and rapidly growing market. The global wearable motorcycle airbag market, valued at approximately $260 million in 2023, is projected to soar to over $800 million by 2032. This growth is fueled by increasing safety awareness among riders and significant technological advancements.

The T-SABE will compete with established players like Italy's Dainese and Alpinestars. Dainese's D-air® Smart Jacket and Alpinestars' Tech-Air® series have set a high bar with autonomous electronic systems that offer full upper-body protection and deploy in as little as 20-40 milliseconds. These systems have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing impact forces by over 90% compared to traditional passive armor.

By leveraging its deep R&D capabilities, Autoliv aims to challenge these incumbents. The company's expertise in large-scale manufacturing and stringent automotive-grade validation processes could provide a competitive edge in reliability and performance. The partnership with RS Taichi is also crucial, as it provides immediate access to a respected brand with a loyal customer base and deep knowledge of what riders need in terms of fit, comfort, and durability.

Autoliv's Strategic Pivot Beyond the Automobile

The launch of the T-SABE is more than just a new product; it's a clear signal of Autoliv's broader diversification strategy. With 2025 sales of $10.8 billion, the company has built its empire on protecting vehicle occupants with airbags, seatbelts, and steering wheels. Now, it is strategically expanding its mission of "Saving More Lives" into new mobility sectors.

This initiative runs parallel to other recent moves, such as the development of an airbag for the Yamaha Tricity 300 commuter scooter. Together, these projects demonstrate a multi-faceted approach to two-wheeler safety, addressing both wearable and vehicle-integrated solutions. By venturing beyond its core business, Autoliv is tapping into new growth markets while leveraging its core competencies in safety technology to address vulnerabilities in other forms of transport.

This strategic pivot allows the company to apply its world-leading knowledge to a wider audience, reinforcing its brand identity as a comprehensive leader in mobility safety, not just automotive safety.

The Rider Experience: Marrying Safety with Practicality

For any piece of motorcycle gear to be successful, it must be adopted by riders, and that requires more than just advanced technology. It must be comfortable, practical, and non-intrusive to the riding experience. This is where RS Taichi's expertise becomes invaluable.

"Our passion for creating high quality riding gear has now come together with Autoliv, a company that leads the global standard in safety," said Hirohiko Yoshimura, President & CEO of RS Taichi. He noted that the new vest is designed not only for protection but also to "provide a comfortable and safe riding experience helping create a long lasting and enjoyable motorcycle lifestyle."

The press release states the airbag system has been engineered as a "scalable platform," meaning the core technology can be integrated into various garment designs. This flexibility could allow for a range of products tailored to different market segments, from daily commuters and long-distance tourers to track-day enthusiasts. The final design, battery life, weight, and compatibility with other riding jackets will be critical factors for riders considering the investment.

All eyes in the motorcycle world will be on the Tokyo Motorcycle Show from March 27-29, where the RS Taichi Airbag Vest T-SABE will be officially unveiled, and more details on its technology, features, and pricing are expected to be announced.