As vehicles become increasingly electrified, automated, and software controlled, ZF is developing and industrializing advanced chassis systems with a comprehensive offering of by-wire technologies that no longer require a mechanical connection or system fluids.
ZF produces a full range of by-wire systems that that do not require a direct physical connection:
• Steer-by-wire including rear wheel steering
• Brake-by-wire with integrated brake control
• Electronically controlled active suspension
Steer-by-wire technology transmits driver commands to the steering system entirely through electrical signals, removing the mechanical link between the steering wheel and front axle. Going forward, by-wire technology is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in all aspects of vehicle motion control – longitudinally, transversely and vertically.
ZF’s steer-by-wire systems enable fully autonomous vehicle control for shuttles and robotaxis. For personal passenger vehicles, it also offers unique capabilities like retractable steering wheels for fully automated driving modes, fully adaptable steering control reducing the handwheel angle for parking or low-speed manoeuvres and enhanced crash safety through the removal of the steering column.
Future-proofing the technology, the new generation software supporting the by-wire actuators can be updated over-the-air at any time. ZF has already secured several major customer orders for its new steer-by-wire system.
Wolf-Henning Scheider, CEO, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, says: “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.”
ZF‘s brake-by-wire IBC braking system enables regenerative braking and energy recuperation that helps recharge the batteries of electric vehicles – highlighting how chassis and eDrives can work together to enhance motion control, extend range and offer more compact system packaging.
These technologies are being combined to yield system solutions that offer enhancements greater than they can alone. Here software and combined E/E architectures play a key role in adding value. By-wire systems offer greater degrees of vehicle control offering shorter stopping distances, more degrees of freedom in manoeuvring, better stability at high speeds and greater range and efficiency.
With by-wire technologies the amount of steering assist or brake torque can be tuned to mimic the typical feel that drivers expect but can also be instantly adjusted to enhance brake force to reduce stopping distances or steer around an obstacle more expertly than drivers can do themselves.