cubiX® - Centralized Chassis Control to Power the SDV Era
Driving the Future with Chassis 2.0
At ZF, we understand that wheel guidance, damping, suspension, steering and braking are more critical than ever.
Why? Because the Software-defined Vehicle (SDV) is transforming how vehicles are developed: intelligence is shifted from hardware to software. This evolution demands a new level of integration and coordination between chassis systems.
That is why we have introduced Chassis 2.0 - a next-generation approach that combines our deep system expertise with cutting-edge software and actuator technologies. It is a holistic solution that enhances comfort, safety, and driving dynamics, while giving OEMs the flexibility to differentiate through software-defined features and services.
cubiX® – The Central Brain of the Software-defined Chassis
At the heart of our Chassis 2.0 vision lies cubiX®. ZF’s cubiX is a centralized software platform that orchestrates all actuators of the chassis and driveline simultaneously across all three dimensions of vehicle dynamics: longitudinal, lateral and vertical, regardless of whether those systems are supplied by ZF or other system providers, and covers every conceivable application.
Instead of optimizing individual components, cubiX enables coordinated, intelligent control of braking, steering and suspension systems. This opens the door to advanced features like autonomous evasive maneuvers and by-wire control, all without mechanical linkages.
By migrating application software from individual actuators to a centralized controller, cubiX delivers a modular, scalable and flexible solution that integrates seamlessly into modern domain and zone-based E/E architectures.
The result? A new level of ride comfort, dynamic handling and safety – all enabled by software.
cubiX is Available in Multiple Variants
Tailored to the needs of different vehicle platforms and OEM strategies
Think of cubiX like a house: the cubiX Framework is the solid foundation – the core architecture that allows OEMs to build their own functionalities and control algorithms on top.
At the other end of the spectrum, the full cubiX system is like a fully furnished house, complete with walls and interior – ready for the OEM to fine-tune it to match their unique vehicle DNA.
In between, cubiX offers flexibility: OEMs can integrate third-party features alongside their own, while benefiting from ZF-developed functionalities like pre-stability control. Importantly, cubiX never dictates the vehicle’s DNA, empowering customers to shape it themselves.
Tailored Functions & Features Bringing the Chassis to Life
cubiX is more than just a control layer.
It is a platform for innovation. ZF offers a growing portfolio of chassis functions that can be integrated as software packages, allowing OEMs to enhance their vehicles with unique functions and features for tailored driving experiences.
From Variable Driving Characteristics to Torque Steer Compensation, these functions are developed in-house and optimized for seamless integration into the cubiX ecosystem. This makes ZF not only a provider of the SDV platform, but also a creator of value-added functions that bring the chassis to life.
cubiX Tuner: Full Tuning Autonomy for OEMs
Calibrating vehicle dynamics has traditionally been a complex, time-consuming task – involving over 100,000 parameters, multiple experts and extensive real-world testing.
cubiX Tuner, our AI-powered tool, simplifies and accelerates the calibration of multi-actuator vehicle dynamics systems. With an intuitive interface and built-in simulation models, cubiX Tuner allows OEM engineers to configure complex vehicle functions fitting their DNA.
It reduces the need for physical test drives by predicting real-world behavior in advance, and includes powerful variant and parameter management tools to streamline development workflows – making the complex world of vehicle dynamics more manageable, and innovation more accessible.
Where We Stand and What is Next
ZF has reached a significant milestone with its cubiX technology and Chassis 2.0 concept: all elements of Chassis 2.0 are already – or will soon be – in customer vehicles on roads worldwide. This means the concept is fully industrialized, economically viable and trusted by leading OEMs. Current series projects with brands such as Lotus and Dongfeng underline this achievement, while our cooperation with Goodyear demonstrates ZF’s strong functional expertise and integration capabilities of our advanced cubiX control software.
Outlook
Looking ahead, cubiX is designed as an integrated chassis control platform for future vehicles. It enables continuous development of advanced functions and features that can be easily added over time. Automakers can offer tailored feature bundles or performance upgrades with minimal integration effort – creating differentiation in the market and delivering greater value to their customers.