Auto Shanghai 2021: ZF is Driving Intelligence for Software-defined Vehicles

The software-defined vehicle is fast becoming reality. The core of future vehicle architectures are high-performance domain or zone controllers on which the central software runs. Just as the brain is connected to every part of the body, the car’s central computers interact with all sensors and actuators to enable an unparalleled mobility experience in automated driving, electric mobility, vehicle motion control and integrated safety functions.

At Auto Shanghai 2021, ZF will debut the next generation of its ZF ProAI supercomputer. It is designed to meet the requirements of software-defined vehicles and their new electronic architectures based on domain or zone controllers.

“ZF is taking a vanguard position to drive vehicle intelligence,” said Shanghai-based ZF Board Member Dr. Holger Klein, whose responsibilities include leading the Asia-Pacific region. “We are ready to support the realization of future mobility with high-performance computing power, cutting-edge software solutions and hardware and systems expertise. Our sensors see the vehicle’s environment and its interior, and our actuators can accelerate, decelerate or steer a vehicle in intelligent ways. Combining all of these elements into high-performance systems open up new frontiers for unimagined innovation while creating new data-based business models for next generation mobility,” explained Dr. Klein.

In addition to the world premiere of next generation ProAI, ZF will also show its expertise as a system supplier for the software-defined vehicle in all its strategic technology domains. Amongst the highlights are high-performance computers, software solutions, Level 2+ and Level 4/5 systems for automated driving, the EVplus plug-in hybrid and the latest generation of electric axle drive systems for electric mobility. The company will also highlight the cubiX chassis systems software for vehicle motion control as well as pre-crash safety systems.

Leading commercial vehicle assistance systems As a leader in commercial vehicle technologies, ZF will demonstrate its broad range of intelligent and automated driving solutions. This includes the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) that fully complies with the latest related Chinese safety legislation and will have its debut on Chinese roads this year; the Predictive Economical Cruise Control system (PECC) specifically developed to answer the increasing demand for fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions; and the Autonomous Driving Open Platform Technology (ADOPT), which simplifies and accelerates the development of autonomous driving by providing an ‘Intelligent Control Interface’ with the Virtual Driver, and linking it to the vehicle’s motion control systems for ensured vehicle safety.

ZF in China for 40 years

ZF has been represented in the Chinese mobility market since 1981. “In 40 years, ZF has gone through the journey from ‘Sold in China’, ‘Made in China’, ‘Designed in China’ to the point that one ZF Board Members leads the business out of China. With the dedication of our team members, the strengths of ZF’s global development network and trust by our customers and partners, we have been an active part of the Chinese automotive industry and social fabrics,” said Ms. Renee Wang, ZF China President and SVP Operations, Asia Pacific.

In 2020, ZF generated sales of €6.4 billion in China with around 12,500 employees.

“With the ZF Asia-Pacific headquarters and three development centers strategically located in China, we are ready to elevate our support to our global and Chinese customers in realizing Next Generation Mobility here in China, for China,” Ms. Wang emphasized.

ZF is driving vehicle intelligence: The software-defined car of the future will be enabled by high-performance computers, a powerful software platform, intelligent sensors and smart actuators.

About ZF

ZF is a global technology company suppling systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive product and software solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate and enhancing safe mobility.