Technological Leadership
- ZF is a pioneer in brake-by-wire systems, with over 3 billion brake components produced globally
- The new portfolio supports automated driving up to Level 4, enhancing future mobility.
By-Wire Technology
Driving the future of safe, smart, and sustainable mobility
What Is By-Wire Technology?
By-wire technology refers to the replacement of traditional mechanical or hydraulic systems in vehicles with fully electronic control systems. Instead of physical linkages - such as steering columns, brake lines, or throttle cables - commands are transmitted via electrical signals between sensors, actuators, and control units.
By-wire systems are foundational to modern vehicle architectures - especially in software-defined, electrified, and autonomous vehicles. They enable greater design flexibility, enhanced safety, and precise control, while also simplifying vehicle integration and reducing mechanical complexity.
Brake-by-Wire
To reach your destination safely, it's not enough to accelerate - you must also know when to slow down and stop at the right moment.
Ideally, the vehicle should also brake on its own if necessary - for example, when a digital emergency brake system brings a vehicle to a standstill independently if the driver is not paying attention. However, today’s braking systems no longer consist solely of hoses, pumps and mechanics, but must also be software-controlled and electrically operated.
Why Brake-by-Wire?
As the automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, automation, and software-defined vehicles, braking systems must evolve to meet new demands. ZF’s Brake-by-Wire systems are the key enabler for these transformations.
ZF’s Brake-by-Wire portfolio delivers the intelligent, adaptable, and future-ready solutions that modern mobility requires.
Brake-by-Wire (BbW) is more responsive, more sustainable and more economical.
"Particularly in view of the advances in highly automated driving assistance features, electrified drives and chassis networking, there is no way around Brake-by-Wire in the long term. With our comprehensive portfolio of braking technology, we can provide vehicle manufacturers with optimum support today to realize the model platforms of tomorrow."
ZF’s Brake-by-Wire Portfolio
Tailored for every need
Depending on customer requirements, braking solutions from ZF can be designed as either purely electric, purely hydraulic or a combined system - providing maximum flexibility.
Key Benefits of Brake-by-Wire Technology
Purely electronically controlled by-wire systems offer better vehicle control, shorter braking distances, more steering flexibility, greater driving stability at high speeds, and greater range and efficiency.
All Components of a Braking System From a Single Source
ZF has a long history as a developer and manufacturer of braking systems worldwide. More than 3 billion ZF brake components have been produced over the past 50 years, ensuring driving safety around the globe. Even in the age of software-defined, fully networked and electrified vehicles, a car cannot operate safely without powerful and fail-safe brakes.
Over the past 50 years
3
ZF brake components have been produced.
billions
Steer-by-Wire
With steer-by-wire, the fixed mechanical transmission between the steering wheel and the wheels, is replaced by variable, pure software connection. The technology ensures more precise maneuvering, more stability and safety as well as optimal responsiveness. In addition, the Steer-by-Wire system allows for new steering wheel and cockpit designs.
Steer-by-wire (SbW) technology is revolutionizing vehicle dynamics by replacing the traditional mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels with a fully electronic, software-defined connection. This shift enables unprecedented flexibility in steering behavior, cockpit design, and vehicle architecture - ushering in a new era of precision, safety, and automation.
Steer-by-wire solutions eliminate the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering gear.
Why Steer-by-Wire?
Drivers can feel the difference immediately, and for manufacturers, the benefits are just as compelling. ZF's steer-by-wire technology delivers the bandwidth for a precise, comfortable and safe steering feel, with outstanding responsiveness and enhanced dynamics – enabling a wide range of functions that elevate comfort, safety and the overall driving experience. The cockpit and interior can be designed more freely, offering increased space and comfort for passengers.
ZF is positioning itself at the forefront of developing production-ready steer-by-wire technology.
The technology also enables new steering wheel geometries, including foldable steering wheel rims. Without the need for an intermediate steering shaft, there is no longer a requirement to route components from the interior to the engine compartment. This streamlines both the assembly and positioning of steering components, while also making it easier to adapt platforms for different model series or markets, whether for right-hand or left-hand drive.
How It Works
In a steer-by-wire system, the driver’s input is captured by sensors in the steering wheel actuator. This data is processed by an electronic control unit (ECU), which commands a mechatronic actuator between the wheels to adjust the steering angle. A torque feedback unit, such as ZF’s patented Twin Worm system, recreates the natural road feel.
A torque feedback unit – a small electric motor at the steering wheel – recreates the natural steering feel and road feedback. The ZF system, designed with redundancy for safety, dynamically adjusts the steering ratio to suit different driving speeds and conditions. This means the angle of the steering wheel is optimally translated into the wheel angle: A direct ratio for greater agility during parking, and a more indirect ratio for enhanced stability and comfort at higher speeds.
Key Benefits of Steer-by-Wire Technology
ZF’s Steer-by-Wire (SbW) technology delivers a new dimension of driving experience and vehicle design:
