Annual 2025 Gathering Focusing on Pioneering Chassis and Braking Technology Developments in the European Automotive Industry
In the rapidly evolving world of autonomous car technology, advancements in the chassis segment are taking centre stage. This month, a summit will delve into how autonomous driving, electrification, software-defined vehicles, AI, and more are driving technological advancements in this crucial area.
The summit will particularly focus on the trends in brake pads and brake systems over the next few years.
Autonomous Driving and AI Integration
Advanced chassis systems now incorporate sophisticated sensors and AI-powered algorithms to enable real-time monitoring and control. For instance, ZF’s Smart Chassis Sensor embedded in the ball joint captures three-dimensional acceleration data and, combined with AI analysis via cloud connectivity, supports continuous health monitoring of the chassis, predicting component wear and safety conditions. This digital fitness tracker for the chassis reduces unplanned downtime and enhances safety. AI-driven architectures like AV2.0 unify perception and control with end-to-end learning neural networks that adapt to dynamic conditions, improving the real-time responsiveness of chassis control systems.
Electrification and Software-Defined Vehicles
Electrification requires integrating electric actuators and redundant systems into the chassis for enhanced control and safety. ZF supplies steering wheel actuators and redundant steering gear actuators for electric vehicles, enabling steering without mechanical linkages, controlled entirely by software. The software-defined approach allows updates and feature improvements over the air, creating more adaptable and repairable chassis systems.
Evolution of Brake Pads and Brake Systems
While specific details are limited, the trend toward incorporating AI and sensor data in brake systems implies smarter braking responses calibrated in real-time based on road and vehicle conditions. Electrification also pushes development of integrated brake-by-wire systems replacing traditional hydraulic brakes for improved modulation and integration with autonomous driving algorithms.
Synergistic Effect of AI, Sensors, and Data-Driven Development
The combination of hardware sensors, real-time AI algorithms, cloud connectivity, and standardized data formats accelerates chassis innovation by enabling precise simulation, validation, and predictive maintenance. This helps manufacturers optimize chassis components under diverse real-world conditions before implementation.
The advancements in chassis design aim to improve vehicle performance, handling, safety, and sustainability. The autonomous car market is projected to reach US$77-billion by 2035, signifying a significant opportunity for creative engineers to push the boundaries of chassis design. The goal is to reach relevant audiences for news, events, jobs, and thought leadership in this exciting field.
[1] ZF. (2021). ZF’s Smart Chassis Sensor: Improving Safety and Reliability. Retrieved from https://www.zf.com/en/press-releases/2021/zfs-smart-chassis-sensor-improving-safety-and-reliability-13011
[2] ZF. (2020). ZF’s AV2.0: Unifying Perception and Control. Retrieved from https://www.zf.com/en/press-releases/2020/zfs-av20-unifying-perception-and-control-11201
[3] ZF. (2021). ZF’s Steering Actuator for Electric Vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.zf.com/en/press-releases/2021/zfs-steering-actuator-for-electric-vehicles-14011
[4] SAE International. (2020). SAE Simulation Standard for Autonomous Vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3016_202004/
- The integration of AI-powered algorithms in advanced chassis systems, such as ZF's Smart Chassis Sensor, offers continuous health monitoring of the chassis, predicting component wear and safety conditions, thereby reducing unplanned downtime and enhancing safety.
- The autonomous car industry, with its focus on electrification, is exploring software-defined vehicles, like ZF's steering wheel actuators and redundant steering gear actuators for electric vehicles, which enable steering without mechanical linkages and offer the potential for updates and feature improvements over the air.
- The evolution of brake pads and brake systems is trending towards smarter braking responses, incorporating AI and sensor data for real-time calibration based on road and vehicle conditions, and the development of integrated brake-by-wire systems for improved modulation and integration with autonomous driving algorithms.
