Greater safety and improved efficiency through automated driving are mobility megatrends that are increasingly relevant to the commercial vehicle sector. ZF is demonstrating its capabilities in these areas by showcasing its Innovation Truck 2016 developed for IAA in Hanover. With the vision of accident-free driving or “Vision Zero,” ZF is working on enhancing current assist systems for practical use on the road. Its efforts have resulted in a Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system which helps to keep the vehicle in its lane, and an Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA) system which allows a truck to independently evade obstacles and brake. The latter was developed in cooperation with WABCO. The Innovation Truck 2016 also boasts a highly efficient solution with its autonomous maneuvering function SafeRange. Its intelligently networked systems allow the concept vehicle to autonomously maneuver to the loading bay in a precise and efficient manner, and if needed, with zero local emissions.
Thanks to widely developed assist systems, modern trucks already offer a high level of safety. Now, with the Innovation Truck 2016, ZF has pioneered the next level of active assist systems. Both the Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA) and the Highway Driving Assist (HDA) systems can help prevent accidents more effectively.
The SafeRange maneuvering system also boosts efficiency at the truck terminal, the key here is the linking of ZF’s autonomous driving functions. Applying its competence in sensor technology, control electronics and mechatronic systems, the technology company enables the Innovation Truck 2016 to see, think and act.
Avoidance instead of collision
Typically, hazards occur at the tail end of a traffic jam on the freeway. If a truck driver fails to see this in time, the outcome could be fatal. In the ZF Innovation Truck, however, the unique EMA system takes control in this situation. The assistance function detects whether Advanced Emergency Braking or driver-initiated braking is sufficient to stop the vehicle before hitting an obstacle. If braking alone is insufficient to avoid a rear-end collision, the EMA directs the truck with its trailer independently (activated by the steering motion of the driver to the right or left and safely toward the desired free lane or hard shoulder. ZF developed the system in cooperation with WABCO in early 2016. It analyzes information from cameras and laser sensors, and then activates the ReAX active electric power steering as well as the service brakes. A multistage warning cascade keeps the driver involved so that the system can be overridden at any time.
Just like trains on a track The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) feature in the ZF Innovation Truck 2016 keeps the vehicle in its lane and effectively helps protect drivers from the often very severe consequences resulting from lack of attention, distraction or a few seconds of microsleep. The system not only warns the driver that the semi-trailer truck is unintentionally moving out of its lane, it also actively and independently keeps the truck in the lane. At the same time, it automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicles in front at any speed, also including stop-and-go functionality.
Efficient driving at the truck terminal
The intense networking and automation of systems and functions help to considerably increase the efficiency and safety of workflows at truck terminals and transport hubs. Collisions while maneuvering can result in costly vehicle damage and downtimes while additionally increasing loading and unloading times. The Innovation Truck 2016 adapts a new approach. The system’s eyes and brain do not necessarily have to be located in the truck to automatically actuate its electrically powered mechatronic systems. That’s why, for the SafeRange autonomous maneuvering function, ZF has networked the truck to systems in the truck terminal. The truck to be maneuvered only needs a target on its trailer for the stationary cameras on the loading bay to be able to detect it. A computer inside the terminal calculates the trajectory and transmits the data via WiFi to the ZF Openmatics telematics system in the truck. This is where the vehicle control system takes over, using ZF’s active electric power steering, ReAX, and the TraXon Hybrid automatic transmission system to steer the truck to the loading bay electrically and emission-free. A tablet doubles as an HMI control system that can be used to maneuver the truck from outside the driver’s cab.
ZF to Become One-Stop Supplier of Safety and Efficiency Solutions for CVs
ZF is further strengthening its position as a major technology supplier for the commercial vehicle industry by providing key technology for autonomous driving. With these competencies, ZF products can enable commercial vehicles to see, think and act. This is being clearly demonstrated using the ZF Innovation Truck 2016, which features state-of-the-art advanced driver assist systems, including the world’s first brake assist and assisted emergency steering control systems for heavy commercial vehicles.
The company’s International Motor Show slogan “See – Think – Act” boldly captures ZF’s strategy. The acquisition of the U.S. company TRW in 2015 was an important milestone in the expansion of ZF’s capabilities in the fields of sensor technology, control electronics and mechatronic systems. It continues to expand its portfolio with further milestone investments through shareholdings and acquisitions. For example, ZF recently acquired a stake in the lidar system experts Ibeo and the software company doubleSlash. Moreover, ZF is continuing to develop the electrification of the commercial vehicle driveline. Production ready technology for hybrid and all-electric drives covers all application fields and fully satisfies market needs.
“We are aligning our products with the major trends of automation, networking, safety and electrification. Our innovative focus will provide fully-integrated, intelligent mechatronic systems which substantially contribute to a safe and emission-free mobile world” said ZF’s CEO Dr. Stefan Sommer at ZF’s press conference at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016.
The “See – Think – Act” slogan highlights how ZF is positioned as a one-stop supplier of future-oriented technologies: “With our technological focus, we are able to cover all major aspects of autonomous driving and enable vehicles to see, think and act, this is our unique selling proposition,” explained Sommer.
Since the acquisition of the U.S. company TRW in 2015, the company’s range of mechatronic systems has significantly increased and ZF will continue to strategically expand its range of actuators. Additionally, ZF has announced plans to construct a technology centre in Hyderabad, India. From 2020, a total of 2,500 engineers will reinforce ZF’s global engineering network with an emphasis on software development to enhance the intelligence of vehicle electronic control units. With a 40 percent stake, ZF is joining forces with the software company doubleSlash. The new partner, already a strategic ZF supplier, will strengthen the company’s capabilities in the field of vehicle networks.
Finally, in August this year, ZF acquired a 40 percent stake in sensor experts Ibeo. Together with ZF, the market leader in both lidar system technology and environmental recognition software will develop a new generation of lidar sensors, helping to take vehicle safety to the next level.
Electromobility with growth perspectives
The concept of “Vision Zero” or a mobile world without emissions and accidents, also requires solutions that can improve fuel efficiency or potentially can even replace internal combustion engines with electric motors. To support this goal, ZF integrated its e-mobility activities into a separate division at the start of 2016. According to recent estimates, the market for hybrid or all-electric vehicles is forecast to grow by a factor of seven to ten by 2025. “We will benefit from this growth and shape the market. Our unique systems competence regarding the integration of chassis, driveline and electronics is the perfect prerequisite,” said ZF’s CEO Dr. Stefan Sommer at the International Motor Show’s press conference. In relation to commercial vehicles, ZF is well positioned to address this growth with its complete product portfolio of hybrid and all-electric drive solutions for city buses, coaches as well as heavy and light trucks.