With the acceleration of the automation, electrification and connectivity of commercial vehicles, vehicle motion control technology is becoming more and more important in dealing with increasingly complex vehicle systems. In addition, discussions around software-defined trucks and related E/E architectures have shown that the industry needs a new approach to modularity and high performance of vehicle motion control systems. ZF's state-of-the-art cubiX vehicle motion control software comes in. Based on decades of expertise in a wide range of applications, ZF's cubiX portfolio, which was originally developed for the passenger car sector, has been successfully mass-produced. Today, the product is now being used in commercial vehicles, providing a comprehensive, holistic ZF solution for advanced vehicle motion control.
cubiX扩展至商用车领域
As in passenger cars, the electronic control functions of commercial vehicles continue to improve, and as a result, the demand for dedicated control units is also growing. With the advent of new technologies in automotive electronics and electrical technology, all vehicle actuators, including braking systems, transmission systems, and steering systems, can be managed in a unified manner through centralized control software. cubiX's role is to control all actuators to ensure the stability, safety and accuracy of the vehicle, as well as performance. The system includes hardware and software, system integration and system engineering services, and commercial vehicle customers can also customize the software system according to their own needs.
The expansion of cubiX into commercial vehicles demonstrates ZF's cross-sector synergies and demonstrates ZF's industry-leading expertise in vehicle motion control to bring a cost-effective solution for vehicle motion control management that is "ready-to-use". ZF Group CEO Dr. Philip Korn Holger Klein explains: "We needed to expand our vehicle motion control software platform to meet the needs of the commercial vehicle segment. The application of innovative technologies that were previously developed for a single mobility scenario to multiple market segments has always been one of ZF's strengths and competitive advantages. ”
cubiX provides efficient, precise and safe "ready-to-use, automated" vehicle motion control for commercial and special vehicles
Prof. Peter Leell, Member of the Board of Directors and Head of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Business Unit of the ZF Group. Dr. Peter Laier adds: "The ZF Group's know-how in software and function development is becoming increasingly important for the integration of advanced assistance systems that significantly improve the safety of commercial vehicles, and our customers benefit from this again. ”
Huge potential for automation
There is more room to deploy automation technology in a yard or port than on a public road. By connecting to all virtual driving systems and vehicle actuators, cubiX ensures safety, accuracy and performance even in challenging driving environments such as yards or ports. As a result, cubiX enables commercial vehicles to achieve a higher level of automation.
In yards and ports, autonomous vehicle driving can dramatically improve operational efficiency and productivity, while addressing key issues affecting the logistics industry, such as the ongoing driver shortage, especially when working at night.
cubiX makes it easier for commercial vehicle manufacturers and end users. Virtual driving system suppliers and automakers can focus on their core strengths, taking care of perception, planning, and the vehicle itself. ZF, on the other hand, is based on its Drive-by-Wire portfolio to ensure "ready-to-use, automated" vehicle motion control.
cubiX has been tested in real situations. In a recent long-term pilot study in Germany, cubiX was successfully used in a busy freight scenario and proved to be highly efficient.
An example of cubiX in the passenger car sector
In the field of passenger cars, cubiX has already gained a foothold in the market and has been proven in series production. The charm of the platform also lies in its modular structure. By offering a standardized set of basic functions, ZF creates synergies in the development and optimization of specific driving functions.
For example, with the "Variable Driving Characteristics" function, the driver can individually adjust the car's specific driving modes – from quiet and comfortable cruising to agile and dynamic sprints. In contrast to the common "Sport Mode", cubiX not only changes the steering force, but also changes the vehicle's response to steering inputs.
The Car Trailer Stability Assist feature can be used to minimize the tilt of the trailer. Because after a certain speed, the trailer tends to wobble, which jeopardizes the stability of the entire car trailer portfolio. cubiX offers assistance functions that make it possible to correct sway in a targeted, simple and fast manner without reducing the speed of the vehicle, thus increasing stability and safety.
ZF and Goodyear have partnered on smart tire technology and vehicle motion control software
ZF has partnered with tire and rubber manufacturer Goodyear to integrate Goodyear's SightLine into the cubiX ecosystem, applying tire and road data to vehicle dynamics control software. Goodyear's Tyre Intelligence technology detects tyre slippage on waterlogged roads at an early stage and provides optimal speed recommendations for better vehicle control. When an increased risk of skidding is detected, cubiX reduces the speed of the vehicle, assists the driver in responding, and helps stabilize the vehicle.
(This article is provided by the company)