Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/718131
drive itself on the highway. The High- way Driver Assist automated driving system enables the truck to pilot itself in on-highway use by automatically keeping its lane, steering, accelerating and braking. The Innovation Truck also puts to use an advanced automated back- ing system that allows drivers to exit the truck in docking situations and remotely back the vehicle to a dock. It also features a crawling mode for start- and-stop traffic made possible by ZF's Traxon automated transmission. The concept truck is a European model — a DAF XF — but the tech it's meant to show off will be used in all markets, ZF says, and quicker than many may think. "Our focus is 2025," says ZF's CEO Sefan Sommer. "We have to rethink the architecture of automobiles to have new concepts and new tech- nologies." Sommer says three major automotive "megatrends" are driving ZF's research and development: safety, efficiency and automated driving. The safety megatrend centers on sys- tems like ZF's EMA — that is, active safety systems meant to avoid crashes altogether — and passive systems that can at least minimize the consequences of accidents when they do occur. The efficiency megatrend deals with driving down fuel consumption and lowering global emissions. Technolo- gies stemming from the trend include alternative fuel development and vehicle electrification. Lastly, the autonomous megatrend will bring sophisticated systems built around radar, laser scanning, cameras and other sensory systems to nearly all trucks and passenger cars, says ZF's Peter Lake, member of the board. "Automated driving is real and it's here to stay in the trucking industry," he said. "We're in a period of change like no other seen [in the automotive industry]." Lake says vehicle automation will be one of the main drivers of vehicle-to-vehicle commu- nication systems and vehicle- to-infrastructure communica- tion systems. Likewise, the fast-approaching "Internet of Things" — that is, the ability of everyday items to become two-way senders and receivers of data via Internet connec- tion — will be a catalyst for increased vehicle connectivity. "The theme is more intelligence in me- chanical systems," Lake says. "Putting the brains in the brawn, if you like." Lake says ZF is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the development of next- 20 www.bigrigowner.com S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 Cover Story A demonstration of ZF's Highway Driver Assist — an autonomous system that enables the truck to pilot itself in on-highway driving.