ZF TRW is demonstrating its semi-automated driving capabilities today at a test track event in Berlin, Germany. Drivers will be experiencing a 'Highway Driving Assist' feature which can enable automatic steering, braking and acceleration for highway speeds from 40kph.

Peter Lake, executive vice-president, Sales and Business Development at ZF TRW, said: "We're following a building block approach to automated driving functions showcasing what is achievable today using proven technology. Drivers will need to trust the technology and see its benefits as we move along a continuum to higher degrees of automation leading to more convenience and the ultimate goal, safer vehicles and roadways."

The demonstration vehicle integrates ZF TRW's AC1000 radar and S-Cam 3 video camera sensor together with its Electrically Powered Steering Belt Drive (EPS BD) and Electronic Stability Control EBC 460 – the combination of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA) functionalities. The ACC keeps the vehicle at a set speed until a slower vehicle appears in front or if another car cuts across the lane. It then automatically brakes and/or accelerates the vehicle to keep a driver-selected safe gap (constant time interval) behind the slower vehicle. At the same time, the forward looking camera tracks the lane markings to keep the car in the center of the lane via the electric steering system. The driver can easily override the system at any time.

Lake continued: "The prototype vehicle represents a milestone in systems integration – one of ZF TRW's core capabilities as the only complete safety systems supplier worldwide. The beauty of these technologies is their flexible or scalable nature – the same sensing hardware can be used for different functions to suit vehicle manufacturer requirements. For example, the driver assist hardware on the vehicle could also enable Emergency Steering Assist functionality.

"At a later stage, we'll be showcasing a 360 degree sensor system which will also enable vehicles to automatically overtake (lane change control). The next decade represents a huge opportunity to improve not only the driving experience, but fundamentally road safety."

Highway Driving Assist (HDA) enables automatic steering, braking and acceleration for speeds from 40kph. It combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering to maintain the lane and a set interval to target vehicles ahead.