Software: Autonomes Fahren: Elektrische Lkw werden zum Testfeld für die Mobilität der Zukunft

ZF, a leading automotive supplier, is showcasing its latest generation of driver assistance systems for commercial vehicles at the IAA Transportation in Frankfurt. The focus of the exhibit is a "scalable 360-degree safety concept," which aims to comprehensively capture the entire vehicle environment and detect potential hazards early on.

Ivan Brajdic, ZF's development manager for commercial vehicle technologies, explained that the company is integrating sensors, perception, braking, and steering into a coordinated system. A key component of this system is the integration of the trailer into the sensor architecture, which involves combining sensors on the tractor and trailer with powerful communication interfaces.

The exhibit demonstrates a fully networked combination of a truck and trailer, featuring high-resolution cameras and radar sensors that enable precise object detection and environmental analysis, particularly in the lateral near field and blind spot. Additionally, features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure assistance, and driver fatigue detection systems are integrated.

While advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are already established in new trucks, the focus is now on making these systems more cost-effective. Steven Peters, head of vehicle engineering at TU Darmstadt, noted that the challenge now lies in reducing the cost of these systems. The shift from driver assistance to automation is significant, with levels ranging from 0 (no automation) to 5 (no driver).

Level 4 represents highly automated driving, which may not require a driver at all. The shift from assistance systems to automation is considerable, as Peters explained, emphasizing the need to avoid unreasonable risks and the difficulty in proving this. The shortage of drivers, particularly for long-haul trucking, is a significant factor driving the demand for automation solutions.

Brief written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.