Texas Instruments Sensors and Controls (www.tisensors.com; Attleboro, MA) has developed a force-based occupant weight sensor targeted at the advanced air bag deployment systems now mandated by federal law. The sensor uses strain gauge micro-fused technology to measure the weight of a seat occupant, which TI claims is more accurate than alternatives like magnetic or impression-based methods. The sensors are designed to fit existing seat structures either above or below the seat track.