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A vehicle’s distinct character is increasingly defined by its chassis and the complex interplay of its actuators. ZF, a global technology company, has introduced a groundbreaking software tool, the cubiX Tuner, to streamline the intricate process of chassis calibration. This innovative solution accelerates the development of the software-defined vehicle by automating the complex calculations required for multi-actuator control, allowing automotive manufacturers to define a vehicle’s unique “brand DNA” with just a few clicks.
Key Highlights
- Accelerated Development: The cubiX Tuner significantly shortens the development cycle for new vehicle models, saving time, cost, and effort.
- Automated Calibration: The tool automates the complex calculations for the interplay between multiple actuators like brakes, steering, and damping systems.
- Intuitive Use: Featuring AI-powered algorithms and cloud integration, the software provides an intuitive interface for engineers to fine-tune vehicle dynamics.
- Brand Character Definition: OEMs can easily configure an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to reflect a specific brand’s desired driving experience.
Revolutionizing Chassis Development
Chassis actuators are critical for ensuring a vehicle accelerates safely, brakes reliably, and maintains stability during cornering. Modern vehicles rely on software to control these systems, and ZF’s existing cubiX software already orchestrates individual actuators for optimal performance. However, the initial calibration of every actuator in every possible control scenario has traditionally been a time-consuming and complex phase of development.
“Ensuring that a car behaves as requested by the OEM in all situations depends on several thousand parameters,” explains Philippe Gasnier, Head of Development for the Division Chassis Solutions. The cubiX Tuner addresses this complexity head-on. By leveraging the advantages of the software-defined vehicle, the tool simplifies and accelerates the calibration process. This is especially beneficial for vehicle platforms offered with multiple drive configurations, such as front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. “While the algorithms handle the identification of core parameters, engineers can fine-tune the vehicle’s dynamics with precision, allowing application maturity to be reached much earlier,” says Gasnier.
Defining Brand DNA with a Click
In the age of electrification, the traditional role of the engine in defining a car’s character is diminishing. “Bringing the brand DNA to life is increasingly becoming the responsibility of the chassis,” notes André Engelke, Head of the Vehicle Motion Control System House. The cubiX Tuner was developed specifically for this modern reality.
The tool allows engineers to adjust chassis parameters at the vehicle dynamics level without needing to delve into deep algorithmic adjustments. “If our customers notice during a test drive that the maximum steering angle during cornering needs adjusting, they can do it with just a few clicks,” Engelke explains. The cubiX Tuner then automatically recalculates all related parameters and writes a “tuning map” directly to the vehicle’s ECU. This capability extends to calibrating components from third-party manufacturers, and an “Expert Mode” is available for more detailed fine-tuning.
Comprehensive and Accessible Features
ZF will offer the cubiX Tuner in two versions: a full PC-controlled version and a mobile “Lite” version that allows for in-vehicle adjustments via Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto. Both versions feature cloud connectivity for data backup and an AI-based optimization tool.
A key feature is the ability for OEMs to test calibrations in a virtual simulation before applying them to the vehicle. “This greatly simplifies before-and-after comparisons, as the car no longer needs to be tested on the track for every single parameter change,” says Engelke. This powerful combination of features allows the cubiX Tuner to unlock the full potential of a software-defined vehicle’s chassis with significantly reduced effort and cost.
About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.
With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.
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