Highlights

• THOR-05F is the first true female crash-test dummy with human-like anatomy

• Packed with three times more sensors than older female models

• Designed to reduce injury and fatality risks for women in crashes

• Signals a major shift in vehicle safety standards and testing

THOR-05F Brings Real Female Anatomy to Crash Testing

The automotive world has finally caught up to reality with THOR-05F, the first advanced female crash-test dummy approved by the Department of Transportation. Unlike previous dummies that were essentially smaller male versions, THOR-05F is built from the ground up to reflect the actual female body. It focuses on frontal crash scenarios and represents a fifth-percentile female, meaning it mirrors the physiology of smaller women.

Unmatched Sensor Technology for Female Safety

THOR-05F is packed with three times more sensors than the old Hybrid III female dummy. These sensors track forces on the neck, spine, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, arms, and legs. The dummy’s neck bends like a real human neck, the spine flexes naturally, and chest deflection is measured at four points instead of one. The legs now measure ankle, knee, thigh, and shin forces, giving a full picture of how crashes affect smaller female bodies.

Closing the Safety Gap for Women

Until now, crash-test dummies were based on a 5-foot-9, 171-pound male. That led to women being 73 percent more likely to be injured and 17 percent more likely to die in collisions. The female Hybrid III, introduced in 2003, was little more than a downsized male with added breasts. THOR-05F finally delivers a realistic, human-like model that captures the nuances of female anatomy.

THOR-05F Changes Vehicle Safety Standards

This dummy gives car makers and regulators critical data on how seat belts, airbags, and vehicle structures interact with female bodies. The insights will help improve seatbelt fit, airbag deployment, and overall vehicle design. THOR-05F is expected to be incorporated into compliance testing and New Car Assessment Programs, setting a new standard in safety testing.

A New Era of Inclusive Automotive Safety

THOR-05F is more than a dummy. It represents a major shift in automotive safety by making women a priority. As car manufacturers adopt this technology, we can expect vehicles to offer better protection for all passengers, closing decades-long gaps in crash testing. Women will finally have the same level of safety that men have long enjoyed, signaling a smarter, safer future on the road.