WABCO, ZF unveil advanced braking and steering

by Today's Trucking Staff

AACHEN, GERMANY — ZF Friedrichshafen and WABCO have unveiled a prototype collision avoidance system called Evasive Maneuver Assist (EMA), bringing automated collision avoidance a step closer to reality. And several technologies have been combined to make it work.

WABCO’s OnGuardACTIVE radar-based collision mitigation system, Electronic Braking System, Advanced Emergency Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, and vehicle control systems were integrated with ZF’s electro-hydraulic ReAX power steering system during a recent demonstration in Germany.

A radar sensor identifies moving or stationary vehicles ahead and alerts the driver about an impending rear-end collision through visual, audio and haptic signals (moderate brake applications). If the driver determines the system can’t avoid a rear-end collision by driver-initiated or autonomous braking alone, the EMA engages to help steer around the obstructing vehicle and bring the truck and trailer to a complete stop.

“EMA connects WABCO’s braking and stability control systems with ZF’s active steering solution for the first time and marks an important step toward realizing the transportation industry’s vision of autonomous driving,” said Jacques Esculier, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WABCO.

European Union regulations now require newly registered trucks to be fitted with Electronic Stability Control, Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) and Lane Departure Warning systems (LDW).

“Evasive Maneuver Assist is yet another industry leading innovation that has the potential to significantly advance commercial vehicle and road safety worldwide,” added Dr. Stefan Sommer, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

ZF believes automation, networking, safety and the electrification of formerly mechanical control components are changing the world of mobility.

“The integration of TRW into ZF means the company is now better placed than ever to help decisively shape this transition,” said Peter Lake, ZF’s executive vice president – sales and business development. “The triad of ‘see, think, act’ constitutes a guiding principle for the company itself and also a unique selling proposition for its technology innovations.”

As part of the ride and drive event for global media, ZF demonstrated a truck that can back itself into an alley through the combined use of GPS for positioning, and a camera and target arrangement that guides the truck’s controllers. The driver passively assists the maneuver by walking alongside the vehicle, and keeps the truck moving by using controls on a tablet. The truck and camera system have sensors that can detect pedestrians or cars coming into the truck’s path.

Another demonstrated feature was a fully self-steering truck equipped with a hybrid electric powertrain. It operates on electric motors at low speed, up to 30 km-h, before switching to diesel. It also has a version of adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe following distance at all times, even at low speeds.

The features are combined into what ZF calls Innovation Truck 2016, which will appear at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover Germany in September.


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