Airbag proximity suppression system tester

A system and method for testing an airbag proximity suppression system is disclosed. The testing system includes a positioning system (114) that controls movement of an occupant model (107) inside of a vehicle and toward a suppression zone (103). A proximity detector (111) provides a first output signal indicative of when the occupant model (107) actually enters the suppression zone (103) by monitoring movement of a position marker (109). The airbag suppression system, the device under test, provides a second output signal indicative of when the airbag suppression system detects that the occupant model (107) has entered the suppression zone (103). The timing difference between the first and second output signals is indicative of a performance factor of the airbag suppression system. Further, a controller (121) identifies a position of the occupant model (107) when the airbag suppression system detects that the occupant model (107) has entered the suppression zone (103). A comparison of the position of the occupant model (107) relative to the boundary of the suppression zone (103) is also indicative of a performance factor of the airbag suppression system.