The digital DNA of the chassis: At CES 2026, ZF presented the latest developments and features for Chassis 2.0 – our chassis technology approach, which enables new functions through software thanks to intelligent and network-capable actuators. The focus is on intelligent software solutions and AI-powered features that enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency to a new level. With this, ZF is laying the foundation for the software-defined vehicle.
The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is becoming a reality. New powerful central or domain controllers are already consolidating the control of multiple components, including key chassis functions like braking, steering and damping. ZF's Chassis 2.0 approach leverages intelligent, interconnectable actuators to enable new chassis functions powered by software. ZF is one of the few technology partners to offer software expertise independently of whether the associated actuators are included in the scope of supply. The key to this is the cubiX software platform.
Dr. Peter Holdmann, Member of the Board of Management and Head of Division Chassis Solutions
ZF is driving the development of the SDV with a comprehensive portfolio.
The ProAI family from ZF is an automotive-grade central computer suitable for all vehicle platforms, software applications, and E/E-architectures – from low-cost entry-level models for pure front camera solutions or parking-only applications to powerful comfort configurations for Level 2+ and Level 3 ADAS and chassis solutions in the premium segment, right through to all-in-one supercomputers that control entire autonomous applications.
ZF is the worldwide leader in automotive smart cameras for ADAS functions. The newest generation of its front camera – Smart Camera 6 – features a 120-degree field of view with more than 4x higher image resolution (8 megapixels) than the previous generation and greater processing power. With the capability for over-the-air updates, Smart Camera 6 enhances performance and enables new functions to allow for future system upgrades.
Software is extremely important for value creation in the automotive industry. Functions that are updated “over the air” are now just as much a part of the automotive market as mechanical components. That is why open source software is also playing an increasingly important role. It offers major advantages in the collaborative interaction within the automotive industry.
The control software cubiX networks and coordinates the active and semi-active actuators using a control algorithm. The scalable system is modular in design, allowing it to be individually adapted to the requirements of each automotive manufacturer. By optimally networking the individual actuators, new functions are created that not only enhance comfort but also improve the vehicle’s dynamics and safety.
Software-defined vehicles are the future of electric mobility—safe, efficient, connected, and ready for tomorrow. At their core, intelligent software transforms the drivetrain into a smart, adaptive system. It’s the brain behind ZF’s e-motors, precisely managing torque, speed, energy flow, and thermal conditions. It guarantees safety and cybersecurity while enabling seamless connectivity through advanced interfaces and over-the-air updates. With an agnostic framework, it integrates hybrid and fully electric platforms for ultimate flexibility.
Artificial intelligence has long been an integral part of the automotive industry and is a strategic success factor at ZF. Whether in product development, manufacturing, or operation: AI technologies help redesign and optimize products and development processes. It’s not just about software for driving or assistance functions — AI permeates the entire ZF portfolio.
With solutions like AI Road Sense, AI detects the road surface in real time and automatically adjusts suspension, brakes, and driving modes. This increases safety and ensures greater comfort and efficiency. Likewise, TempAI is revolutionizing temperature determination in electric drives: AI calculates precise values where physical models and sensors reach their limits.
With its SDdV Middleware Demonstrator, ZF highlights a groundbreaking solution that combines safety, openness and scalability. At its core is the Qorix Performance Architecture, developed based on Eclipse S-CORE and integrated with the vehicle operating system from U.S.-based open-source software provider Red Hat, running on ZF’s production-ready ProAI platform. The modular middleware enables the secure integration of both safety-critical and non-safety-critical functions, demonstrating the close interplay between open-source innovation and proven ZF technology – including Adaptive Cruise Control.
ZF relies on open standards and industry collaboration. This results in a reference architecture that enables faster integration cycles, mixed workloads and future-proof SDV concepts – ready for series production by 2027. With this innovation, ZF demonstrates at CES how the transformation toward software-defined vehicles becomes reality, laying the foundation for safe, connected, and sustainable mobility.
Diagnostics play a crucial role in the era of SdVs, enabling seamless monitoring, maintenance, and updates across increasingly complex electronic architectures. In the SdV Middleware Demonstrator, ZF has integrated OpenSOVD – a standardized, future-ready diagnostic framework for software-defined vehicles and existing fleets. Through open industry collaboration, OpenSOVD delivers a unified, secure, and scalable solution.
With the eDrive platform "SELECT," ZF offers a complete system for electric drives. All components can be combined: electric machines, reduction gears, power electronics and software. The completely rethought thermal management system "TherMaS" increases the range of electric vehicles by up to 30%. With the modular electric Range Extender (eRE), ZF makes this concept attractive for Europe and North America as well. ZF's further developed 8-speed hybrid transmission '8HP evo' reduces CO₂ emissions by over 70% and enables more purely electric driving in everyday life than before.
The latest generation of ZF front cameras, the "Smart Camera 6," offers a 120-degree field of view and four times higher image resolution than its predecessors. It also comes with higher computing power. "ZF ProAI" is the name of a family of central computers for cars and is suitable for all vehicle platforms, software applications and E/E architectures. To further advance the development of ADAS and AD solutions, ZF offers the self-developed, cloud-based and AI-capable validation service "ZF Annotate."
