Tokyo concept car protect against car accident with external airbags

A concept car geared up with external airbags to protect against minor car accident is attracting others at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The body panels of the Flesby II ultra-compact automobile are covered by a soft, next-generation rubber that can soak up the impact of an accident.

“We put airbags, which are generally used inside the car, on its outside, such as its hood or fender, to secure the entire body,” stated Takashi Ishikawa, managing officer of Toyoda Gosei.

Toyoda Gosei, a producer of rubber and plastic automobile parts and LEDs, developed the idea for the concept car in 2013.

The company said on its site the rubber has the ability to move with electrical power and change the shape of the cars and truck body.

LED lights projected onto the rubber also enable the motorist to interact with pedestrians and other vehicles, the company stated.

“In case of contact with a pedestrian, the soft body serves a safety function in absorbing the impact,” the company stated.