Artificial Intelligence

Enabler, Guide, and Accelerator

How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Development

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the automotive industry and at ZF, it’s a key driver of strategic success. Whether in product development, manufacturing, or operations, AI technologies are helping to reshape and optimize products and processes. And it’s not just about software for driving or assistance functions, AI is embedded throughout the entire ZF portfolio.

“AI is of strategic importance for ZF because it helps us to redesign and optimize our products and development processes and develop more efficiently.”

Torsten Gollewski, Executive Vice President Corporate R&D Innovation & Technology

Increasing Efficiency

In early project phases, AI helps save time by systematically analyzing customer requirements and identifying similarities. This creates synergies in code, test specifications, and tools. AI promotes knowledge sharing and enables multiple reuse.

Virtual Sensors

Control software requires data for efficient operation, such as temperature and rotational speed. Some parameters cannot be measured directly because they are located inside the rotor of an electric machine. By using machine learning and combining hardware testing with AI-based analysis these measurement data can be determined.

Control Software

Control software, such as ZF cubiX, connects actuators in the chassis and manages longitudinal, lateral, and vertical dynamics. For AD/ADAS functions, predictions are required about where the vehicle might move next. To achieve this, developers also use machine learning methods.

Faster to Market-Ready Products

ZF is using AI to fundamentally transform its development processes. Intelligent algorithms help shorten development cycles, allocate resources more efficiently, and accelerate time-to-market. Especially in the early stages of a project, such as analyzing customer requirements, AI brings both speed and precision. It facilitates knowledge sharing by identifying recurring requirements and leveraging existing solutions for new projects.

"We see a lot of potential for AI in requirements analysis and management.“

Dr. Manuel Götz, head of AI Tech Center

AI in Testing

AI is also revolutionizing testing processes. Instead of relying on complex hardware tests, simulations are being used powered by AI algorithms that analyze large datasets to make accurate predictions. This enables faster validation and reduces development time.

More about AI in action

Smarter Products Powered by AI

Virtual sensors deliver data where physical sensors reach their limits, such as inside the rotor of an electric motor. Using machine learning and AI-based analysis, parameters like temperature, torque, or friction can be calculated with high precision.

More about virtual sensors

AI as Part of ZF’s DNA

ZF takes a holistic approach to AI covering everything from technology and processes to ethical and legal frameworks. The AI Tech Center works closely with various business units to address specific requirements and create synergies.

More about AI at ZF

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Cloud connectivity, big data and software development are the future for many industries – including industrial technology. Find out here how exactly.

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A Place in his Heart for Computers and Cars

Ever since he was a child, Jicheng Gong has had a passion for cars – especially race cars. Formula 1 has always been his favorite. Accordingly, the FutureStarter realized early on that a job in the automotive industry was his dream, preferably one as an engineer or designer.

FutureStarter Jicheng Gong

Getting Artificial Intelligence on the Road Faster

Marta Stala is working on platforms for the development and integration of generative artificial intelligence. Her work is helping develop even faster ZF products that are laying the foundation for the autonomous driving. The physicist is enthusiastic about the numerous opportunities that open up for her as a FutureStarter at ZF.

FutureStarter Marta Stala

AI Builds Trust in Automated Driving

At the heart of modern driver assistance systems lies the ability to accurately perceive reality. This is where ZF Annotate comes in. ZF’s AI-based cloud service generates highly precise reference data for validating ADAS and autonomous driving systems. By automating the annotation process with artificial intelligence, the previously manual workflow is drastically accelerated. The result: faster development, lower costs, and greater safety on the road to autonomous driving.

ZF expert Jan Dupuis about ZF Annotate

Smart Solutions for ADAS Development

ZF has been developing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for years and has successfully launched these innovations into the market. Now, the technology company offers the same digital tools and services it tested directly to its customers, accelerating ADAS system development and reducing costs.

Innovation and Technology

How ZF Will Shape the Future of Mobility