ZF’s new scalable data and AI to accelerate ADAS validation, homologation

ZF Group is introducing a new scalable suite of Data and AI based services for ADAS Virtual Engineering and Digital Validation called ADAS.ai.

ADAS.ai is designed to help OEMs accelerate the development of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. ZF ADAS.ai can be applied to ADAS systems developed by ZF as well as other Tier I suppliers.

ADAS.ai is based on two breakthroughs:
- A super-high resolution multi-sensor synchronised data set collected by driving all scenarios and mileage required to validate L2+ ADAS systems globally, and
- A proprietary AI technology developed with Cognata of Rehovot, Israel, that transforms the super-high-resolution data set to sensor inputs ‘as seen’ by new sensors in new vehicle applications.

Full L2+ scenarios based on real-world-driving
ADAS.ai is cloud-based and is designed to provide significant cost and quality advantages compared to traditional engineering and validation based on physical test drives and existing simulation technology. Full L2+ scenarios based on real-world-driving derived data are injected at multiple points in the engineering and validation phases, either in “virtual’ or ‘full sensor’ modes providing dramatic acceleration and efficiency of the engineering and validation processes.

“We use real-world data in an end-to-end approach because we know what our customers and the -egulatory organizations seek,” says Christophe Marnat, Executive Vice= President, Electronics and Advanced Driver Assist Systems Division. “With our approach, an OEM neither need legions of test drivers nor millions in investment dollars to engineer and validate with confidence. We bring the real and virtual worlds together because we use real word data to drive both modalities.”

He adds, “ZF’s vision is to enable full ADAS virtual engineering for ADAS from all Tier I suppliers. OEMs want ADAS attributes to be like Crash Testing – fully validated digitally before the first prototype is built, and ZF has the technology to make this happen.” ZF’s ADAS.ai Digital Engineering and Validation suite can reduce time and cost by up to 20%.

Bringing real and virtual world together
ZF’s ADAS.ai integrates exclusive algorithms from Cognata, a leader in application of AI to AD and ADAS. “Cognata’s AI enables ZF’s validation suite to transfer real driving data to all existing and new vehicles with ADAS technology up to Level 2+ and validate it in the virtual space. We call this real-to-real transformation,” explains Danny Atsmon, CEO of Cognata.

As the world largest manufacturer of front cameras, ZF has vast experience in ADAS hardware and software technology, OEM-specific validation, and developing the necessary documentation to comply with international regulations. This experience and competence combined with full backend capability and advanced AI creates an efficient and fast process which will change the way ADAS systems are brought to market.

“Our priority is the safety and reliability of today’s and future ADAS technology and our engineering and validation suite reflects this because its foundation is not simulation-based but real world driving data collected from hundreds of thousands of miles driven all around the world. ZF understands what it takes to get an ADAS system in vehicle on the road,” says Marnat.