bumper

A bumper is a structural component designed to absorb and distribute impact forces, protecting both the object and nearby people from minor collisions. The term is used for devices in vehicles, boats, and other protective applications. The concept emphasizes reducing damage and injury during low-speed impacts.

Automotive bumpers typically consist of a load-bearing beam, energy-absorbing material, and an outer cover. Modern designs use foam or honeycomb plastics behind a plastic or composite fascia, sometimes with metal reinforcement. They attach to the vehicle frame and are intended to reduce damage in crashes and curb pedestrian injury. Regulations in different regions specify bumper height and performance; in the United States, standards include general bumper guidelines, while UNECE regulations apply in many other markets.

Other applications include boat bumpers, also called fenders, which cushion hulls during docking; bumper cars, which use padded structures to absorb collisions; and bumper rails at bowling alleys that prevent balls from entering the gutters. The term is also used for protective strips along walls or equipment in play areas and on certain types of sporting and industrial gear.

The concept evolved from rigid barriers to energy-absorbing systems in the mid-20th century. Today bumpers often integrate with sensors and crash-avoidance systems, while materials researchers pursue lighter, recyclable options and modular designs.