In order to realise Vision Zero, a future of mobility with zero accidents and zero emissions – ZF continues to expand its portfolio of innovative technologies in the areas of driveline, chassis and safety technology.
As well as its in-house development work, the company has also set up a Vision Zero Ecosystem, a growing network of highly specialised partners. As well as its in-house development work, the company has also set up a Vision Zero Ecosystem, a growing network of highly specialised partners.
At the recent IAA 2017, in addition to demonstrating its Vision Zero Vehicle at the New Mobility World parcours, ZF also demonstrated how its intelligent mechanical systems are contributing toward Vision Zero today.
Examples of the modular mSTARS rear axle system that enables conventional vehicle platforms to
be converted to electric, plus advanced driver assist systems that can detect driver distraction or potential wrong-way driving were on display.
The Vision Zero Vehicle combines innovative safety systems that can prevent potential wrong-way drivers from making the wrong turn (Wrong-way Inhibit) or direct the attention of distracted drivers back to the road (Driver Distraction Assist) with a purely electric drive that is powerful enough to easily propel a minivan.
In addition to Wrong-way Inhibit and Driver Distraction Assist, the concept vehicle provides the driver with additional intelligent assistance systems.
ACTIVE BUCKLE LIFTER (ABL):
Even before the vehicle departs, the occupants in all seats are reminded to buckle up, while simultaneously increasing their comfort. The active buckle lifter (ABL) moves upward and adjusts as the passengers get into the car.
The new ABL design on the rear seat of the Vision Zero Vehicle is able to detect when integrated child seats are being used and will move the buckle high enough so the child can comfortably buckle themselves in or an adult can do it for them.
PREDICTIVE SAFETY
The occupants are given tactile information in anticipation of a potentially dangerous situation. By tightening the seat belt they are moved into an optimally safe position. The tension as a predictive measure actively protects the driver above all else and prevents any undesirable steering reactions.
The Vision Zero Vehicle informs the driver at an early stage of any road sections where automated driving is possible. The driver then presses two buttons on the ZF steering wheel and the autopilot takes over.
COMFORT MANEUVERING:
Even fast lane changes feel smooth for the occupants. This is particularly important for fully automated driving, because the vehicle occupants aren’t focused on the road the whole time and are able to occupy themselves with other things.
Accordingly, heavy steering maneuvers, for example, can feel unpleasant. From a technical perspective, this requires the interaction of ZF’s electric power steering (EPS) at the front and the AKC rear axle steering system at the rear. The vehicle can pass obstacles without the usual turning motions as the front and rear wheels steer in parallel.
RETURN TO THE DRIVER:
The human-machine interface (HMI) on the Vision Zero Vehicle is designed to make the transition from automated to assisted driving mode as safe as possible.
If the vehicle approaches complex situations such as road work sites on freeways, it informs the driver about them in several stages and with sufficient time to react. If the driver fails to take control of the wheel, the function brings the car to a stop in a safe place.
Craig Lowndes and SACHS The brand you can trust
Over the past 13 seasons, motorsport legend Craig Lowndes has relied exclusively on SACHS shock absorbers and clutches in his Triple Eight Race Engineering-prepared Supercars. SACHS stands for maximum safety, high driving comfort and outstanding reliability. SACHS has an OE quality solution for vehicles on Australian roads with a comprehensive range of shock absorbers and clutches.
