The new camera offers a 120-degree field of view, an eight-megapixel image resolution (four times higher than the previous generation), and greater processing power for advanced system functions. It utilizes the latest generation EyeQ6 processor from Mobileye and can be updated over-the-air – adding new features and enhancing system performance over its life cycle. It is also fully ASIL B compliant, supporting system architectures to deliver high-level functional safety standards and meet the specific requirements of global OEMs.

Alongside the announcement of Smart Camera 6, ZF revealed its latest Image Processing Module system. Referred to as IPM 6, the system utilizes the EyeQ6 processers featured in the camera and is scalable from a single satellite camera input through to 12 satellite camera inputs – as well as multiple radar, ultrasonic, or LiDAR sensors. This capability enables its broad feature set – including AEB and Pedestrian AEB, VACC, camera/radar fusion, 3D surround view, standard and advanced driver and interior monitoring solutions, e-mirror and the integration of ZF ADAS and/or OEM algorithms (supporting full-featured driving functionality from L2/L2+ to L3), and automated parking.

For ZF customers, IPM-based systems pose several benefits – including the ability to reduce the number of discrete ECUs for ADAS and automated driving systems, enhance vehicle-level software testing and validation, reduce system weight, and simplify the assembly process. They also employ black-box software integration and are AUTOSAR compliant, cybersecure capable, and utilize ethernet / CAN interfaces.

While a release date for its new products has not yet been revealed, ZF expects both the Smart Camera 6 and the IPM 6 to be production-ready in 2025.

StradVision’s SVNet software allows vehicles to detect and accurately identify a variety of objects – such as other vehicles, lanes, pedestrians, animals, free space, traffic signs, and lights – even in harsh weather conditions or poor lighting.

In carrying out these operations, SVNet relies on deep learning-based perception algorithms that have a low power consumption and require a minimal amount of memory to run. Likewise, it supports a variety of hardware platforms and can be customized for use in other hardware systems.

ZF’s product portfolio is focused around autonomous driving and vehicle software. Within these domains, the company offers high-performance computers and software supporting ADAS and autonomous driving functions, including camera, radar, and LiDAR sensors as well as smart actuators.

Autotalks’ V2X chipsets can be used for vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) capabilities, which allow them to communicate with roadside units (RSUs) and to interface with road infrastructure objects such as traffic lights. This communication helps autonomous vehicles to obtain full knowledge of traffic light status and requests green light for a smooth intersection crossing, avoid hazards, and empowers the shuttles with lifesaving accident-prevention capabilities.

Driverless autonomous vehicles cannot afford any failure or uncertainty under any condition. In addition to vision-based sensors, which rely on AI training, V2X provides autonomous vehicles another information from the traffic light controller and other road-users. This contributes to more redundancy and thus safety.

Autotalks chipsets are designed for the highest reliability and security required from autonomous vehicles. The hardware and software adhere to the strictest automotive quality standards for maximal robustness.

ADAS.ai is cloud-based and is designed to provide significant cost and quality advantages compared to traditional engineering and validation based on physical test drives and existing simulation technology. Full L2+ scenarios based on real-world-driving derived data are injected at multiple points in the engineering and validation phases, either in “virtual” or “full sensor” modes providing dramatic acceleration and efficiency of the engineering and validation processes.

ZF and Mobileye will collaborate closely to produce advanced camera technology integrated with ZF’s radar technology to power key ADAS in Toyota vehicles. One use case will see Mobileye’s EyeQ4 autonomous driving chip combined with ZF’s Gen 21 mid-range radar technology to precisely interpret the environment around the vehicle. Together, these technologies will help prevent, and mitigate, collisions while yielding lateral and longitudinal vehicle control.

The EQ4 chip applies enhanced computational capabilities with computer vision algorithms while rapidly processing information from the vehicle’s front-facing camera. Its feature sets, such as vehicle detection from any angle and next-generation lane detection, enable automakers to support and enhance complicated driving tasks.

ZF’s Gen21 mid-range radar is a high-performance 77 GHz front radar designed to meet 2022+ Euro NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings and enable SAE L2 and L2+ Automated Driving functions. It is scalable to vehicle manufacturer needs and offers a wide field of view at low speeds to assist in pedestrian detection (to support systems like automatic emergency braking) and a longer detection range at high speeds for systems like adaptive cruise control.

The system warns the driver of imminent collisions and, if necessary, can autonomously bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This advanced object detection and autonomous braking capability further enables the new ZF system to help avoid or mitigate accidents involving pedestrians.

In this integrated OnGuardMAX solution, ZF’s sensor technology, software and actuators interact seamlessly with each other. Information from its advanced radar sensor and high-resolution dual lens camera is analyzed by a high-performance image processing module. This is controlled by ZF software which can, if required, also activate the ZF-supplied brake system autonomously.

If the driver does not take appropriate corrective action, OnGuardMAX autonomously initiates emergency braking from speeds of up to 80 km/h and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop to help prevent a collision. The advanced autonomous emergency braking system also identifies pedestrians, for example, when the vehicle is driven through city centers. OnGuardMAX is also able to stop the vehicle from speeds of 20 km/h to help prevent such collisions with pedestrians. Additionally, OnGuardMAX offers further safety functions including LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control).

In addition to the world premiere of next generation ProAI, ZF will also show its expertise as a system supplier for the software-defined vehicle in all its strategic technology domains. Amongst the highlights are high-performance computers, software solutions, Level 2+ and Level 4/5 systems for automated driving, the EVplus plug-in hybrid and the latest generation of electric axle drive systems for electric mobility. The company will also highlight the cubiX chassis systems software for vehicle motion control as well as pre-crash safety systems.

Leading commercial vehicle assistance systems

As a leader in commercial vehicle technologies, ZF will demonstrate its broad range of intelligent and automated driving solutions. This includes the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) that fully complies with the latest related Chinese safety legislation and will have its debut on Chinese roads this year; the Predictive Economical Cruise Control system (PECC) specifically developed to answer the increasing demand for fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions; and the Autonomous Driving Open Platform Technology (ADOPT), which simplifies and accelerates the development of autonomous driving by providing an ‘Intelligent Control Interface’ with the Virtual Driver, and linking it to the vehicle’s motion control systems for ensured vehicle safety.

The coASSIST system offers drivers significant comfort and safety benefits at a highly affordable cost – while meeting projected Euro NCAP 2025 test protocols and delivering popular Level2+ functions. Following the initial start of production, in future the system will also introduce ZF’s first launch of its Gen21 Mid-Range Radar.

ZF’s is the full system integrator of coASSIST which was developed in conjunction with partner Mobileye and includes Mobileye’s EyeQ camera technology. It also utilizes Hella short range radars. By combining this advanced camera and radar sensor suite with a central control unit, functions such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane change assist, lane keeping assist, highway driving assist and traffic jam support are enabled.

ZF offers a full range of L2+ systems including:

• ZF coASSIST – the cost-effective Level 2+ solution that helps meet Euro NCAP performance requirements while delivering the most popular Level 2+ ADAS functions utilizing Mobileye, an Intel Company, EyeQ technology,
• ZF coDRIVE – extends the functionality of traffic jam and highway driving support. 360° surround camera perception and the processing capability of Mobileye’s EyeQ technology enable automated lane changes and automatic overtaking.
• ZF coPILOT is designed for advanced computing power and processing scalability from Level 2+ up to Level 4. It offers functions like feet-free and hands-free operation, automated lane change and overtaking, automated garage parking and route learning and utilizes ZF’s ProAI controller.

2getthere accumulated more than 100 million kilometers of autonomous mileage with driverless passenger and cargo transport systems in several major cities worldwide, including Rotterdam, Abu Dhabi and Singapore, as well as numerous ports and airports.

2getthere’ s driverless systems, in revenue service at business park Rivium (Capelle aan den IJssel) and Masdar City (Abu Dhabi) have transported more than 14 million people, fully electric and reliable. The reliability of the systems installed by 2getthere, including vehicle controls and software architecture, exceeds 99.7 percent.

In the future, ZF and 2getthere will closely work together to further develop technologies for autonomous transport systems.

Well protected also in new seating positions

It will be possible to recline the seat or turn it to face other directions. Restraint systems like seatbelts and airbags must be designed to help protect the occupants in these flexible seating positions and will increasingly be integrated into the seat itself. Adaptive ‘dual contour’ airbags have been developed for this purpose.

Safety cushion in the middle

To help lower the risk of collision between front seat occupants or with interior structural components during cases such as far side impact, ZF’s development of a far-side airbag is well advanced. It unfolds in the vehicle’s center and is designed to help meet future regulatory testing: The new test requirements of Euro NCAP, scheduled to be introduced by 2020, extend occupant safety requirements for the side facing away from the occupants in case of a side impact.

Flexible flyweight

ZF is also addressing other automotive megatrends with the lightest knee airbag in the automotive industry: The smaller and more flexible size helps meet new interior requirements of future electric and autonomous vehicles. Featuring a housing made of fabric instead of metal, ZF’s new development weighs up to 30 percent less than conventional knee airbags and volume production will begin in 2019.

The steering wheel of the future

Partly or highly automated vehicles will for the foreseeable future feature a steering wheel that will evolve with new design features. In combination with new folding mechanisms, they will ensure more freedom of movement for the occupants.

The now agreed share is also in line with ZF’s strategy of significantly strengthening the company’s electromobility and autonomous driving expertise in the areas of software and validation. At the IAA Commercial Vehicles trade show it was announced that ZF will be investing €12B in these two areas alone over the next five years.

The IOS system can be calibrated to determine the presence of a child and activate emergency actions such as an automatic call to the vehicle owners mobile phone, lowering automatic call to the vehicle owners mobile phone, lowering electric windows and opening a moonroof to reduce interior temperatures, activation of the horn and emergency flashers so others nearby can assist, or a call to emergency providers such as OEM emergency service providers or local police and first responders to assist in rescuing the child.

As vehicles become increasingly equipped with automated functions, intelligently networked interior sensors can determine if the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel and are in active control of the vehicle, and if the driver’s head is facing the road and monitoring the vehicle while making proper use of the seatbelt system. The system can indicate that the driver is in an automated mode and when a potential emergency situation is detected can trigger alerts.

The IOS system is expected to be production ready by late 2021.

ZF will team with Mobileye, an Intel Company, to launch the S-Cam4 family of advanced cameras in 2018. The two companies have joined forces to provide camera technology to a major automotive OEM, resulting in the largest automotive camera contract in ZF’s history.

The ZF S-Cam4 camera family includes a single lens, mono-camera designed to help meet updated test protocols such as EuroNCAP pedestrian triggered AEB, including a crossing bicycle AEB test. The camera family also includes a premium three lens Tri-Cam4 version to support advanced semi-automated driving functions, adding a telephoto lens for improved long-distance sensing capabilities and a fish-eye lens for improved short-range sensing with a wider field of view.

With its SEE-THINK-ACT approach ZF is shaping advanced safety and autonomous driving with environmental sensor technologies that can “see” the surroundings, powerful processing units employing Artificial Intelligence that can “think” for the system and intelligent mechanical systems that can “act” to provide enhanced levels of vehicle control.

Source: ZF

NVIDIA, ZF and Baidu today announced that they are creating a production-ready AI autonomous vehicle platform designed for China, the world’s largest automotive market.

At the opening press conference of CES 2018, NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang said that the collaboration is based on the new NVIDIA DRIVE Xavier, ZF’s new ProAI car computer and Baidu’s Apollo Pilot, an autonomous driving product targeted for mass production.

China makes up 30 percent of the global passenger vehicle market. Each of the three companies brings unique technologies together to serve this massive opportunity.

NVIDIA DRIVE Xavier, available this quarter, is the autonomous machine processor at the heart of this functionally safe system. The world’s most complex and advanced SoC, it is capable of performing 30 deep learning TOPS (trillions of operations per second), using only 30 watts of power. In addition to its extreme efficiency, Xavier also enables rich, diverse I/O connections to many different types of sensors.

Germany-based ZF brings expertise for system integration of the car computer and the sensors. ZF’s new Xavier-based ProAI will process inputs from multiple cameras, plus lidar and radar, paint a 360-degree view around the vehicle, locate it on an HD map, and find a safe path through traffic.

Baidu’s Apollo open autonomous driving platform provides a comprehensive, secure and reliable all-in-one solution that supports all major features and functions of an autonomous vehicle. Apollo Pilot is an autonomous driving product targeted for mass production, which provides a safe, economical and comfortable autonomous driving experience. It’s built on Baidu’s technology and insight from the driving behaviors of Chinese users.

This solution is created not only for Chinese automakers, but any vehicle maker planning to do business in China, and can scale from super Level 2 automated driving capabilities to Level 5 fully autonomous robotaxis. Production vehicles utilizing AI self-driving technologies from NVIDIA, ZF and Baidu are expected on the roads of China starting in 2020.

Source: NVIDIA

• New concept features advanced gesture control and hands on detection to support Level 3 automation and higher driver interaction
• Drivers receive feedback through graphic displays and dynamic illumination
• Features capacitive touch for horn operation and a driver airbag concept allowing deployment around the screen interface

ZF has unveiled a new steering wheel concept aimed at supporting Level 3 and above autonomous driving functionality. The system incorporates gesture control via graphic displays to enhance communication between driver and vehicle, and advanced hands-on detection technology.

According to Juergen Krebs, vice president of engineering for steering wheel systems and driver airbags, “As ZF pursues its goal of “Vision Zero”, a critical enabler will be vehicle and driver interface. As new automated functions become more commonplace, advanced technologies employed in the steering wheel are important and can help improve driver safety and awareness of the current vehicle control mode.”

ZF’s new concept is designed to utilize gesture control to trigger various vehicle functions as chosen by the vehicle manufacturer. It works intuitively through gestures commonly used on phones or other smart devices. For example, a single tap on the cover could activate the horn, and a double tap or tap and swipe at the rim can activate indicated functions associated with that portion of the wheel rim such as changing the climate control. These gestures are supported and confirmed by the center display and accompanying graphic and light displays.

The wheel uses multiple interfaces to indicate the vehicle control mode. A seven-inch LCD display in the center of the steering wheel rim indicates if the driver or the car is in control. Additionally, an LED light strip is integrated into the steering wheel rim with blue lights indicating autonomous mode, white lights for manual driving mode and red lights for driver warning. Other uses for the light strip include yellow lights indicating left or right-hand turn signals – and glowing or flashing lights to indicate various scenarios chosen by the vehicle manufacturer.

The system also features a wide range of functions cleverly integrated into the wheel including 10 capacitive sensors in the outside rim detecting where the driver is gripping the wheel, and one additional on the inside of the rim detecting if an advisable grip is being employed. This enables accurate hands on/off detection – helping to make clear whether the driver or the vehicle is in control. This will be critical for Level 3 and above autonomous operation.

The wheel’s unique configuration presented new challenges as the driver side airbag could not be located in its traditional area due to the centrally located LCD screen. ZF engineers designed a new airbag concept which can deploy from the back side of the wheel through the rim and covers the display, thus helping to protect the driver in case of a crash.

Source: ZF

• The 20 employees of IEE Sensing Germany GmbH will become part of the ZF Group on December 1, 2017
• This automotive engineering company specializes in software development for autonomous driving functions

ZF is expanding its development competences in the autonomous driving field, On December 1, 2017, 20 developers from the IEE Sensing Germany GmbH, based in Kösching in Upper Bavaria, will become part of the ZF Group and work for ZF’s subsidiary “Zukunft Ventures” under the name “Zukunft Mobility”.

IEE Sensing Germany GmbH specializes in the development of functions for driver assistance, integrated vehicle safety and autonomous driving. Its 20 employees are include computer scientists, physicists and software developers, and have many years of experience in the automotive industry. They will be working on developing these functions for the future, particularly in the sensor and software development sectors, and the simulation and test procedures, to make them ready for production. To achieve this, they will also use their many years of expertise in the field of artificial intelligence.

“The expansion of our capabilities and skills in software and algorithm development is extremely important for ZF; it enables us to offer our customers intelligent mechanical systems”, said ZF CEO Dr. Stefan Sommer. “With the developers from IEE Sensing Germany GmbH, we have an experienced and competent team where together, we can work on the future of the automobile industry. In terms of our ‘See – Think – Act’ claim, we are strengthening the ‘Think’ element, i.e. making the intelligent connection between what is happening in the vehicle’s surroundings and subsequently how it should act.”

For ZF, the development of functions, systems and algorithms for automated and autonomous driving will be at the forefront of its activities. This could include, for example, environmental detection of vehicles or objects for automated parking scenarios. Data fusion is a focal point, This enables the vehicles to process data from various sensors and from car-to-x communication, and generate the appropriate responset. With the new location in Kösching, situated just off the German A9 freeway, ZF also gains direct access to the A9 testing ground and can test autonomous driving in real traffic conditions.

Dr. Frank Keck, together with Dr. Martin Randler, who is responsible among other activities for the pre-development of sensor technologies at ZF. They will remain at their current location in Kösching.

Source: ZF

• The aim is to make use of highly developed computer vision and deep learning skills in the automotive field
• Self-learning machines are required for fully autonomous driving

ZF has entered into another strategic research partnership to coincide with the opening of its Innovation Hub in Silicon Valley. Together with researchers from the renowned University of California, Berkeley, the company will in future harness the self-learning machines that are crucial to fully autonomous driving in the automotive field.

When people are faced with complex traffic situations, their intuition often helps them to make the right decisions. For example, experienced drivers may know without clear indications that the car in front is about to pull out and overtake, or whether a pedestrian is about step out onto the road. Transferring this ability to computers in a highly complex automotive environment in order to establish one of the key requirements for fully autonomous driving is one of the biggest challenges currently facing the automotive industry. “Our latest research collaboration will significantly boost our Vision Zero Ecosystem in two areas that are key to fully autonomous driving – computer vision and deep learning,” says Dr. Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG. The researchers at the University of California, Berkeley are among the world’s leading minds in both fields. In 2017, Times Higher Education placed the university, which currently has around 37,000 students, sixth in its World University Rankings. With the newly founded Berkeley DeepDrive (BDD) Center, the university has teamed up with high-caliber industrial partners such as ZF to create the ideal conditions for achieving the ambitious aims. The BDD consortium brings together faculties and researchers from several departments and centers to combine the latest technology with real applications in the automotive industry. “Even though dramatic progress has been achieved in fields such as computer vision in many areas of industry in recent years, the applications are yet to reach the automotive industry. We now wish to change this,” says Professor Trevor Darrell, head of the multidisciplinary center.

The aims: To make a quantum leap forward in terms of awareness of surroundings, learning ability, and development pace and safety

In terms of autonomous driving, the highly complex environment in which automobiles move around together with numerous other road users places the highest possible demands on the system algorithms. To make matters more difficult, even though the normal test runs used until now have covered millions of kilometers, they still don’t come anywhere close to covering all the conceivable traffic events or risk situations. Different ways must therefore be found to ensure the error-free functionality of the system. Part one of the strategy involves algorithms being capable of optimizing themselves in future by means of machine learning. To this end, machine learning uses so-called neural networks modelled on the way in which the human brain works. If this involves particularly complex neural networks with many hidden layers, it is known as deep learning. Part two of the strategy involves vehicles equipped with the necessary sensors learning how to achieve ever better outcomes using the incoming data. Individual system adjustments are aggregated in the cloud, optimized once again, and re-sent to the entire vehicle fleet. In this way, both the development pace and quality can be increased on a lasting basis.

Source: ZF

• “Driver Distraction Assist” can help prevent accidents caused by distractions at the wheel
• “Wrong-way Inhibit” is designed to actively guard against driving in the wrong direction
• Vision Zero Vehicle is a milestone on the way to the vision of zero accidents and zero local emissions

The concept vehicle features intelligent mechanical systems capable of helping to prevent many accidents. “Driver Distraction Assist” has the capability to recognize driver distraction – today the number-two cause of accidents after excess speed – and if necessary help steer the vehicle safely until the danger is over. “Wrong-way Inhibit” is a ZF solution with the potential to help actively prevent wrong-way driving and its frequently fatal consequences.

Keeps an eye on the driver

Research indicates that distracted driving continues to be an issue on the road. According to a road safety study by Allianz Zentrum für Technik, around one in 10 road fatalities today is due to distraction. In 2016, distraction caused the loss of 350 lives in Germany – 94 more than drunk driving. Figures from the U.S. reveal that in 2015 alone, wandering attention caused 3,477 deaths. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute carried out the previous year found that people behind the wheel are distracted more than half of the time (52 percent). They spend more than 6.4 percent of the time using their cell phones, with texting increasing the risk of accidents by a factor of 10.

“Driver Distraction Assist can help recognize lack of attention, warn the driver and, if necessary, take control until a potential danger has passed,” explains Dr. Harald Naunheimer, head of Research and Development at ZF.

The technology uses a laser-based time-of-flight interior camera with learning capability. The camera monitors the position of the driver’s head in 3D. Unlike digital video systems, it can be effective even in poor lighting. The system is designed to immediately register when the driver looks away from the road. In case of danger, it alerts the driver with an optical warning on the central display, an acoustic signal and active tightening of the seat belt. Simultaneously, the assistant is capable of taking over steering, also staying on track in curves. If the driver still does not react, the system can steadily reduce the drive torque. Finally, if the driver continues to ignore all warnings, the assistant can cut the throttle response and attempt to stop the car in a safe spot.

Actively prevents wrong-way driving

The ZF  Wrong-way Inhibit is designed to actively safeguard against driving the wrong way, the system reacts as soon as there is an indication that the driver is about to enter a road in the wrong direction – whether due to distraction, poor visibility or disorientation. For example, if the driver heads for a freeway exit instead of an entry road, the system can first warn with an acoustic signal, seatbelt vibration and an optical signal on the dashboard display. Additionally, a significantly higher steering wheel resistance reinforces the message to the driver that he is about to make a wrong turn. If the driver still attempts to go in the wrong direction, the system can keep the car on the outside edge of the lane, brake initially to walking speed and then to a stop. Furthermore, the high beam headlights and the hazard warning lights can activate to warn oncoming traffic. The system only allows the driver to drive out of the danger zone along the edge of the road if there is space or if he shifts into reverse.

The Vision Zero Vehicle uses multiple approaches to help detect which road and which direction is right or wrong, by high-accuracy maps that are constantly updated via the cloud as well as traffic signs and road markings that are recognized and interpreted using a front camera system.

Source: ZF

Strategic Partnership to Bring NCAP Safety Solutions to Market

NVIDIA today announced it has formed a strategic partnership with ZF and HELLA to deliver AI technology with the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety certification for the mass deployment of self-driving vehicles. The agreement is non-exclusive.

ZF, an automotive supplier, and HELLA, a tier 1 supplier of camera perception software and sensor technologies, will provide customers with a complete self-driving system that integrates front camera units, as well as supporting software functions and radar systems.

Using the NVIDIA DRIVE PX AI platform, the partnership aims to produce the highest NCAP safety ratings for passenger cars, while also addressing commercial vehicle and off-highway applications. NVIDIA DRIVE PX offers both NCAP safety and self-driving capabilities on a single platform ready for production.

NVIDIA DRIVE PX will enable ZF and HELLA to develop software for scalable systems starting from modern driver assistance systems that connect their advanced imaging and radar sensor technologies for autonomous driving functionality.

“Creating a self-driving car is one of society’s most important endeavors — and one of the most challenging to deliver,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO, NVIDIA. “Our work with ZF and HELLA will bring AI self-driving solutions that include NCAP safety for millions of cars worldwide.”

Dr. Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, said: “We are building up a powerful ecosystem step by step. Earlier this year ZF became the first supplier to adopt NVIDIA AI technology for cars and commercial vehicles in the ZF ProAI box. Just a few days ago HELLA and ZF joined forces in a non-exclusive partnership, and now together we are partnering with NVIDIA to make our roads safer and to support the development of autonomous driving functions.”

Dr. Rolf Breidenbach, CEO at HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., said: “Combining our expertise in front camera perception software and radar sensor technologies with NVIDIA’s expertise in deep learning hardware and software will drive technological developments for broad adoption of self-driving capabilities across many transportation segments.”

Source: NVIDIA

• Firmly in focus: camera systems, imaging and radar sensor technology
• Partnership for development and marketing aims to produce modern assistance systems and autonomous driving functions for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and off-highway applications
• Latest vehicle sensor technologies support enhanced safety and pave the way for autonomous driving

ZF and HELLA are entering into a strategic partnership. Both automotive suppliers will benefit from this cooperation on sensor technology, particularly for front camera systems, imaging and radar systems. ZF will further strengthen its portfolio as a systems supplier which offers both modern assistance systems and autonomous driving functions, whereas HELLA will drive technological development and benefits from a broader market access with its leading technologies. The first joint development project in camera technology will start immediately, with the objective of a market launch in 2020.

Front cameras to achieve the best Euro NCAP rating

In their first joint project, the partners are targeting a current market trend, In the future, the highest Euro NCAP safety ratings will require the assistance of camera-supported assistance functions. Therefore, the demand for front cameras in all vehicle segments will rise. ZF and HELLA will offer automotive manufacturers a joint product and are starting development immediately with an expected SOP in 2020. ZF brings hardware and its expertise in functions, systems and integration to the table, whereas HELLA and its subsidiary HELLA Aglaia Mobile Vision contribute competence in efficient, tried-and-tested imaging software and application development.

In the mid to long term, these cooperation partners will also provide camera systems for automated driving functions as well as for commercial vehicles and off-highway applications. ZF expands its camera portfolio and therefore offers more options to customers while continuing to work with established partner. HELLA Aglaia gains a new customer and partner for its independent and open software solutions for driver assistance systems.

Long-term development partnership for radar systems

In their cooperative work in the radar systems sector, the partners will also identify opportunities to provide attractive volume-production solutions in the short to mid term by jointly building up their product portfolio. HELLA’s 360° surround view radar systems together with ZF’s mid-range and long-range radar systems will establish a new and comprehensive systems solution. While the joint development will focus on systems solutions, each partner will continue to develop and to offer its technology independently on a component level. Here, the true potential of a long-term development partnership lies in the ability to utilize common system architecture as well as product families which are adapted to each other.

Source: ZF