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TechnologiesDigitalization and Software

Digitalization and Software

Digitalization as a Basis and Enabler

Data forms the basis for the mobility of the future. The enormous quantities of information make new functions and business models possible. This also applies to mobility and industrial applications. The prerequisite for successful products is the ability to network individual components into comprehensive systems that act and learn independently thanks to artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms.

Software

Software is Gaining Importance

The convergence of hardware, software and electronics in the automotive industry is leading to a completely new mobility landscape. The connectivity requirements of the individual components in the "Software-Defined Car" are increasingly shifting value creation from hardware to software. This change requires faster and more comprehensive software development - on the one hand in terms of the speed and quality of processes, but also in terms of software engineering methods and solutions.

ZF provides components and technologies for the software-defined vehicle. Click on the (+) button to learn more about some of ZF's highlight solutions.

ZF ProAI

ZF ProAI

The most flexible, scalable, and powerful automotive supercomputer and the source of vehicle intelligence:The newly upgraded ZF ProAI is a central computer suitable for all vehicle platforms, software applications and E/E-architectures. One control unit for all purposes and all automation levels from ADAS to AD – and smaller, more energy-efficient and yet more powerful than ever before.

ProAI Supercomputer
Middleware

Middleware

As a kind of mediator, ZF middleware enables efficient communication between software functions and hardware components. It is independent and compatible, making vehicle platforms future-proof.

ZF Middleware
Intelligent Sensors

Intelligent Sensors

ZF is a leading supplier of intelligent sensors, including different kinds of cameras and radars like the Smart Camera 4.8, the smallest front-facing single-lens camera available. Or ZF’s Imaging Radar, a high resolution 77GHz radar designed to satisfy enhanced system solutions for AD L2+, L4 and beyond.

Smart Camera 4.8

Mediator in Automotive Software

With its "Middleware", ZF is creating a central software platform for the software-defined car of the future: It is a service provider for all software applications and enables data exchange between them.

Software Turns the Car Into a Mobility Platform

The software-defined vehicle is ready to go. What are the advantages of a vehicle whose functions are specified by software? Who needs it? And what is ZF's share?

Level 2+: Semi-automated Driving for Everyone

Level 2+ semi-automated driving systems can help enhance safety and comfort in passenger cars. With its comprehensive portfolio of intelligent advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ZF offers solutions scalable to cost and functions desired.

Digital Twin

Less work, material, and time: With methods and tools such as Lean Validation and Digital Twins, ZF can make the development and testing phase of new products much more efficient.

Software as a Product in the Chassis of the Future

Advanced assistance systems, over-the-air updates: Software is becoming a key differentiator in automotive industry. With the comprehensive cubiX vehicle motion control platform, ZF is launching its first software-only product in volume production.

Artificial Intelligence

When Machines Learn to Think

Equipping computers and robots with cognitive abilities to handle even highly complex tasks better than humans - that is the goal of artificial intelligence (AI). The rapidly increasing computing power of processors makes it possible to process enormous amounts of data in the shortest possible time. An appropriately programmed algorithm recognizes patterns in Big Data and can interpret them. AI systems are able to solve questions that are not thematically stored in their code.

One example of this is the ZF ProAI central computer. It is the most flexible, scalable and powerful central computer in the mobility industry and evaluates the flood of information generated by a car's various sensor systems in real time. With this, it calculates the optimal response of the vehicle and constantly learns from the experience gained - a prerequisite for making automated driving a reality in everyday life.

Artificial Intelligence as Development Turbo

When an electric drive rotates at high speed, it is difficult to determine the exact temperature. AI is now helping where humans and measuring struggle with a solution.

How Can We Trust Artificial Intelligence in the Car?

Using artificial intelligence in cars places high demands on the safety of AI. In the „AIMobilityAudit“ project, ZF and other partners are developing corresponding requirements, test methods and test tools. Two participants report.

When Quality is the AI Bot's Job

AI robots can take over monotonous tasks for their human ZF colleagues in production, thus increasing efficiency and satisfaction. Research on this is being performed in Saarbrücken.

Deep Learning

The Algorithm as a Neural Network

An important characteristic of AI systems is that they continuously learn as they collect more data.


For particularly complex tasks, special deep-learning algorithms are required that are designed to emulate the neural networks of the human brain. They allow feedback and correction loops and can be particularly well specialized to recognize patterns or deviations in large amounts of data.


This makes deep learning systems particularly well suited for image recognition programs, for example, such as those used in the software architecture of ZF Pro AI.

Cybersecurity: How to Protect Vehicles from Hacker Attacks

Mobility is becoming increasingly digital and connected, and protection against hacker attacks is becoming ever more important. As early as 2022, compliance with cybersecurity standards will be mandatory for new vehicle registrations in many countries.

AI in China: The Future is Already Here

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is becoming the leading global market for artificial intelligence, and ZF is at the forefront with its solutions.

AI: The Algorithm as a Chauffeur

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gaining ground in more and more areas of everyday life. Of course also in road traffic. ZF is already working on this technological leap.

Autonomous Driving: Hand Over Control

From Frankenstein to Matrix: literature and films are full of conflicts between machines and people. Most people would also have difficulty relinquishing control to an autonomous vehicle. But automation can deliver many advantages here.

Internet of Things - IoT

Networking Devices and Data

The idea behind the Internet of Things (IoT) is to enable machines of all kinds to communicate with each other and with external users.


On the one hand, the networking of different systems enables new digital services and, on the other, allows hardware to be used more efficiently. For example, for cars that share information about potholes with other vehicles. But networking also creates great added value for manufacturing plants in industry that coordinate current capacity utilization, or wind turbines whose maintenance can be planned before damage occurs thanks to real-time data on wear. Thanks to its broad portfolio, ZF even benefits from cross-industry synergies to offer its customers a wide range of innovative, safe and intelligent functions.

Smart Connection to the Future

The only solution for many challenges in the automotive industry is to join forces. OEMs, component suppliers and software houses have set up Catena-X – an initiative that aims to make more effective use of existing data.

On the Way to the "Digital Company"

Tomorrow's mobility is becoming increasingly digital. Companies that shape this future must be digital pioneers. How does ZF fulfill this role? A conversation with ZF CDO Dr. René Deist.

Catena-X Automotive Network

The Catena-X initiative is about networking with partners along the entire supply chain. The aim is to increase efficiency, but also to create transparency and thus adapt to new requirements.

ZF DOS

The ZF Dataspace Operating System is a cloud-based or self-hosted platform that enables enterprises to manage data spaces such as Catena-X and Mobility Data Space.

Connectivity

Systems for an Intelligently Networked World

In a networked world, it is essential that vehicles and systems communicate with each other. In future mobility solutions, not only the vehicles themselves and among each other will be networked. Additionally, mobility services and infrastructure will be integrated into this network. ZF offers solutions in both the logistics and automotive sectors.

Industry Digital: For Lifesavers and Agricultural Machinery

From live information during rescue operations to precise predictions about the condition of tractor transmissions, we create real added value for our customers.

Connectivity Platform ZF ProConnect: Connected With System

ZF ProConnect meets all modern connectivity requirements. It masters all connectivity standards, meets cyber security requirements, offers a flexible cloud environment and digital services.

Digital Platform for Emergency Services in Europe

How ZF Rescue Connect creates a complete ecosystem connecting vehicles, equipment, crew and patients.

Digital Fleet Management: Connectivity is Key

Hjalmar Van Raemdonck, Head of Digital Systems Solutions, explains what the decisive factors for the success of future Fleet Management Solutions will be.

Mobility and Connectivity Solutions

From automated mobility concepts, over cloud-based applications for commercial vehicle fleets up to an open transaction network for vehicles and service providers: ZF offers a wide range of connectivity and mobility solutions.

Industry Digital: Data Power for Rail and Wind Turbines

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

connect@rail - Digital Solutions for the Future of Mobility on Rails

Comprehensive condition monitoring for rail vehicles with connect@rail.

ZF Group @ Linkedin

Current information can be found in LinkedIn