ZF Showcases Latest Steer-By-Wire Solution For CVs

ZF, a critically acclaimed global technology company supplying systems for commercial vehicles (CVs), has developed a unique steer-by-wire solution. The company introduces the steer-by-wire technology, the industry’s most comprehensive offering, at its annual Global Technology Day 2022. 

ZF which is at the forefront of automation and developing advanced chassis now offers by-wire technologies that no longer require a mechanical connection or system fluids. Further, the company has stated that its steer-by-wire technology suitable for the front axle in the passenger vehicle segment, will be adopted by major automakers within the time period 2023.

As for its operation, the company has stated that the driver commands are transmitted to the steering system by electrical signals which eliminate the connection of a mechanical link between the front axle and steering. 

ZF’s CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider said “ZF’s smart by-wire systems end the era of mechanical connections and enable a new era of vehicle control. ZF’s steer-by-wire technology enables new safety and comfort features, like autonomous emergency evasive manoeuvres or parking in very confined spaces. It marks a breakthrough on the way to fully self-driving cars and trucks by adding new design and engineering freedom.”

The steer-by-wire system is the future of autonomous vehicles as it helps in creating fully automatic shuttles and robotaxis. It can also be used for making vehicles which have retractable steering wheels for enabling a fully automated driving mode.

Furthermore, the technology giant also showcased a variety of latest technologies for commercial vehicles like brake-by-wire with Integrated Brake Control and electronically controlled active suspension. Moreover, thanks to these technologies from ZF, the company is in a good position to capture further significant market share in the by-wire chassis systems field and expects a big share of the steer-by-wire market by 2030. 

“ZF is actively shaping the clean and autonomous future of mobility by launching advanced suspension- steer and brake-by-wire systems that will become more commonplace due to the many advantages they offer. And ZF’s software and high-performance computing platforms such as cubiX and the Vehicle Motion Domain Controller complete the picture and together create a new level of system performance. This is a perfect demonstration of how much ZF has changed into a tech company by understanding digitalization and decarbonization as opportunities for its development,” Mr. Scheider concluded.

Nonetheless, it can be said that ZF’s technology can certainly be the future of electric mobility and a large part of the commercial vehicle segment in the near future.