ZF

Under the ‘Smart Logistics’ theme, ZF displayed technologies that will support the future of CVs, aid automation and make a case for efficient last mile transportation. An interesting case in point was the Innovation Van with a high-speed ZF ProAI super computer, sensors, camera, radar and lidar. An allelectric with level-four autonomy, the van is designed to independently manoeuvre through city centers, stay in its lane even without road markings, recognise both traffic lights and road signs and react to sudden hazardous situations. In addition, the Innovation Van can detect and drive around obstacles such as double-parked vehicles. The FollowMe function utilises a tablet-based remote control, and is engineered to be of particular help to the drivers. In case the two addresses are close enough and call the driver to reach the next on foot, the Innovation Van will follow him. If there is no parking available, the driver could send the vehicle to the next stop where it looked for a parking space on its own. Displaying Innovation Truck and the Terminal Yard Tractor, ZF highlighted the work it has done to respond to key freight challenges. The two vehicles can autonomously manoeuvre, swap bodies, trailers and containers. The driverless vehicle is manoeuvrable, and is laced with functions that improve efficiency, speed and environmental-friendliness at depots, company terminal yards and container ports. They are also capable of reducing accidents and property damage. To address the rising demand for electric propulsion in CVs, ZF announced that it has received a volume-production order for its new CeTrax electric central drive. An electric axle drive system for light commercial vehicles will go into volume production in mid-2019, said company sources.