ZF tech to allow cars to see, think, and act autonomously

During its first appearance at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, global components supplier ZF will highlight its strengthened commitment to the megatrend of autonomous driving since its acquisition of TRW Automotive earlier this year. The company says it is in a unique market position to develop and significantly accelerate automated driving functionality of the future with its leading portfolio of sensors, intelligent control units, and actuators.

Automated driving requires more than just intelligent mechanics. The vehicle’s systems will also need comprehensive, precise, and reliable information about the state of the driver. During highly automated driving, where the driver will no longer have to monitor the system, he or she will remain responsible for taking back control of the vehicle at any time when prompted. Driver monitoring is therefore a critical part of the development process – and one where ZF has a solid understanding. At CES, the company will demonstrate the multi-faceted interaction between human and machine, with innovative concepts in the area of human-machine interface (HMI).

“In the coming decade, our technologies will decisively shape the path towards autonomous driving,” announces Dr. Stefan Sommer, ZF's CEO in the run-up to the CES 2016. Thanks to powerful sensors, complex electronic control units, and mechatronic systems, ZF’s technology is already enabling vehicles to see, think, and act autonomously. According to Sommer, ZF intends to significantly strengthen its expertise in this area. “Our goal is to enable automated driving functions across all vehicle segments. Only through high market penetration can we make a real difference to overall road safety.”

Active safety systems are the basis for automated driving functions. These help protect passengers, drivers, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in emergency situations. Active safety systems from ZF will enable automated functions in emergency situations such as automatic emergency braking or emergency steering maneuvers. The next step is geared toward highway driving, with partial and fully automated drive functions set to considerably increase safety and comfort. ZF’s long-term goal is to also increase safety in highly complex city traffic.

ZF believes that the initial potential of future urban mobility lies in intelligent networking, namely, interconnecting the chassis, driveline, and driver assist systems, as demonstrated in its electrically powered, cloud-connected Advanced Urban Vehicle (pictured above) that features partially automated functionality. This prototype vehicle represents ZF's new competencies following its acquisition of TRW.