ZF Services UK ‘moves’ forward with next-gen autonomous Level 4 shuttle

The new shuttle generation uses ZF’s latest Autonomous Driving (AD) hardware and software and provides the shuttle with Level 4 AD capability. Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to see the shuttle for the first time and learn more about ZF’s complete service offering for the future of mobility.

Holding up to 22 passengers, the shuttle has a flexible interior, offering different configurations for the customer’s specific operational requirements. The autonomous, emission-free ZF shuttles can operate on defined routes and is capable to manoeuvre in mixed traffic without a safety steward. It provides up to 15 seats in various configurations, as well as different floor and seat materials and colours.

What’s more, with its global expertise, ZF offers an entire service concept, providing whole-life support from planning to implementation, deployment, operation and after service, working closely with its clients to deliver a tailor-made package to meet their needs and ensure the process is as seamless as possible. Whether they want to maintain the system themselves or have a ‘hands off’ approach, ZF has a solution just for them.

Proposed support includes access to 24/7 support; dedicated workshop connection; worldwide service network; access to OE know-how; fast spare parts supply; and, access to a range of training packages.

Autonomous vehicles require cutting-edge components to process the large amount of data required to operate at Level 4 capability. In addition, the components need to be suitable for sustained use in an automotive environment. To ensure the core components meet or exceed this requirement, ZF has designed and manufactures the key hardware needed to automotive grade, ensuring reliability, repeatability, quality, and safety.

At the heart of the system is ZF’s ProAI supercomputer, which can execute up to 1,500 TOPS. For the Shuttle to talk to its environment, the ZF ProAI interacts with the ZF’s ProConnect, a high-performance connectivity platform with advanced digital services. High flexibility, modular hardware and customisable software covers a wide bandwidth of use cases for any sort of vehicle. Various remote features include technology customised for the perfect fitting solution with LTE & 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5, C-V2X, DSRC and high precision GNSS. It also offers cutting-edge cyber security.

In addition, the shuttles are equipped with state-of-the-art automotive grade sensor technology consisting of lidar, radar, camera, and audio systems that provide precise environmental detection.

As well as automotive grade hardware, ZF has also developed the Level 4 software package, the Virtual Driver. The software stack consists of two major parts: the performance path and the safety path. Together, both enable an operation of Level 4 shuttles or other transportation carriers in a safe and reliable way.

The safety path monitors comprehensive situations under safety aspects, defines virtual guardrails for the performance path, and intervenes if necessary to help mitigate critical situations. Meanwhile, the performance path enables smooth driving in complex scenarios. ZF developed this in partnership with Oxa (formally Oxbotica), a global leader in autonomous vehicle software for businesses.

David Morgan, UK Sales Manager for Autonomous Transport Systems, ZF Group UK, said: “At ZF, we invest heavily in research and development to ensure we can bring future technologies to market, ensuring customers have access to support at every level and receive a complete commercial offering.

“We’re so excited to be showcasing our new next-generation autonomous Level 4 shuttle in the UK for the very first time, and what better place to do it than at Move 23, where all of the industry’s leading professionals will be gathering and connecting to learn and share the latest in the future of mobility.”

ZF has more than 25 years’ experience working on ATS technology, with its autonomous and fully electric shuttles covering over 62 million miles, as well as carrying more than 14 million passengers since going operational in 1997.

Its autonomous transport system offers a concept to ease the pressure on urban districts and connect rural areas more conveniently, delivering network of electrically powered driverless shuttles with on-demand scheduling and a seamless connection to other public transport systems such as buses and trains represents a true alternative to privately owned cars.