FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany and BARCELONA, Spain — Focusing on autonomous, connected and electrified systems, ZF will showcase its latest bus and coach technologies at the 65th UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2023 in Barcelona.
Through exhibits, digital and live presentations as well as innovation tours organized by the UITP, ZF will present its expanding portfolio of advanced systems and solutions that are setting new industry benchmarks in safety, efficiency and sustainability for buses and coaches as well as the new-generation autonomous Level 4 shuttle.
This includes how ZF is helping shape the future of public passenger transport with innovative electrification systems, automated applications and intelligent connectivity solutions.
Full-range supplier for autonomous transport systems
The way of mobility must change in the future if we seriously want to achieve the 1.5 degree target. In addition to a consistent electrification of transport, new mobility concepts are necessary in order for countries and cities to be able to meet the ambitious climate targets – and at the same time offer commuters and residents an attractive living space.
With its autonomous transport systems ZF makes an important contribution to mobility change: Autonomous, emission-free ZF Shuttles can operate on defined routes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Public transport operators can provide passengers with a mobility service even when demand is low and expand routes to meet increased demand against a backdrop of acute driver shortages.
The new ZF Level 4 shuttle, which is capable to maneuver fully electric in mixed traffic without a safety steward, underlining this support for autonomous, silent and emission-free urban passenger transportation. With selectable battery capacities between 50 and 100 kWh, the next-generation shuttle can cover up to 130 km in purely electric mode. This is at an initial maximum speed of 40 km/h, with further development underway to achieve 80 km/h.
As a technology leader, ZF sees itself as a partner for the entire life cycle of its shuttles. In addition to the autonomous vehicle, ZF offers a reliable overall package of hardware and software as well as services for planning and operating autonomous shuttle fleets in automotive-grade quality. In addition. ZF customers can rely on a global network of 20,000 ZF Aftermarket partners in the future.
Safety: Braking Assist System for City Buses
ZF will also present its first Collision Mitigation System (CMS) specifically designed for city buses. The pioneering system offers active braking to help mitigate or even avoid the impending collision with other road users. Building on ZF’s extensive safety systems expertise, ZF’s City Bus CMS draws on its latest OnGuardMAX technology for heavy trucks – with specific features and functionalities that are tailored to city bus applications.
Combining the data from its state-of-the-art camera and radar provides continuous analysis of the traffic situation. If an impending collision is detected, the system can issue a Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or even avoid a collision. Combined with ZF’s advanced braking capabilities that are calibrated with the vehicle’s speed and weight, the adverse effects of sudden braking on passengers can also be minimized. With seamless interaction between ZF’s ADAS and braking system, brake pressure is carefully applied across the braking cascade making unsecured passengers less likely to be jolted and put off-balance.
To view the entire announcement and description of ZF’s participation, click HERE.
