

The ZF Group strategy "Next Generation Mobility" clearly states the R&D task: Ensuring clean, safe, comfortable and affordable mobility – for everyone and everywhere. To this end, last year ZF invested in the future sectors of new vehicle functions, software, artificial intelligence and efficient, electrified drive systems in particular.
We have defined four enablers for our path to implementing our technology strategy:
In order to develop individual approaches for customer-oriented software solutions, ZF presented the open software platform "ZF middleware" and set up a Global Software Center. Dr. Dirk Walliser, Senior Vice President Research & Development, Innovation & Technology, explains the new approach.
So, cars are turning into what some have described as "smartphones on wheels?"
No, even if operating a vehicle is becoming more and more like using a smartphone, the difference lies primarily in the type and number of hardware systems that a software platform – such as the "ZF middleware" – intelligently interconnects in such a way that people or goods can be transported comfortably and safely at all times.
Is this software platform a new offer from ZF?
Yes, it is. The "ZF middleware" is ZF's new open software platform that acts as an intermediary between the operating system of a vehicle's computer and its software applications. As of 2024, it will be available in volume production vehicles and control the abstraction of the computer hardware from software applications and the communication between these applications.
How does this benefit your customers?
Decisive advantages are accelerated development processes and reduced complexity. Today, vehicles can have around 100 different control units, each with its own software. In the future, software functions will run on a single central platform with few domain control units – for example for automated driving functions. With the "ZF middleware," all functions can be developed and integrated independently of the hardware. In addition, updates, extensions or additional options can be offered throughout the vehicle's entire service life.
What role do these developments play in the transformation to "Next Generation Mobility?"
The foundation of the Global Software Center and the "ZF middleware" underscore our claim to be one of the world's leading systems suppliers for software-defined cars. The development is closely linked to that of application software for technology fields such as automated driving, integrated safety, vehicle motion control and electromobility. We have created the prerequisites for this in the past few years: Thanks to our own scalable "ZF ProAI" supercomputing platform for next-generation vehicles, we offer traditional and new automotive customers comprehensive systems consisting of software, computing and sensor hardware as well as connected actuators. For new digital apps, the "Data Venture Accelerator," an international hub for the data business, sets up agile start-ups. With this, we can make an essential contribution to greater safety and efficiency.
Last year, ZF continued to work on refining its technology strategy. Its objective is to provide further technology solutions for the requirements of electrified mobility throughout the Group. The technology development process ranges from trendscouting in the Innovation Factory and technology evaluation to accelerated agile advanced engineering and initial business contact. All these steps are closely linked.
High priority is given to digitalization and software development. ZF is constantly working on expanding its business models for digital products and services as well as for pure software products. In addition, the Group invests in setting up and expanding global centers for the core competencies of software development, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security and system development.
Further digitalization in the product evolution process and the introduction of virtual validation methods with the help of digital product twins support R&D efforts.
Morteza Djebeli-Sinaki works as a software and function developer in E-Mobility on applications ranging from pedelec to large commercial vehicles.
Is the future programmable? Software will be a decisive factor for success in the mobility industry, and not just for ZF. Because the automobile is increasingly software-defined, the company is pushing the topic to the forefront of its thinking and actions. It is therefore no surprise that the Annual Report has a strong software theme in terms of both look and content. Find all the key facts and figures on the 2021 annual accounts in this downloadable PDF.