Automation with Scalable 360° Safety for Trucks and Trailers

Safety requirements in commercial vehicles continue to evolve. Fleet operators expect systems that prevent accidents, protect vulnerable road users and support more automated operation. “ZF’s system approach to these challenges integrates ADAS functions across the entire vehicle combination and includes advancements that go beyond warning-based driver assistance toward active collision prevention,” says Dr. Thomas Dieckmann, Technology & Innovation Officer at ZF.

This is the core benefit of ZF’s 360° safety concept. It extends assistance systems beyond the truck to include the trailer as part of the perception system thanks to a high-speed automotive ethernet communications interface connecting trucks and trailers (so called `Truck-Trailer Link´). Thus, the sensor data (radar and camera) from truck and trailer are combined into one environmental model to allow continuous 360° object detection with far fewer perception gaps compared to traditional methods. This supports consistent driver assistance from highway driving to urban traffic and low-speed yard operations.

ZF continues to expand active safety functions with intervention capability based on its OnGuardMAX system. In near-field scenarios, the functions comply with the European General Safety Regulation (GSR) requirements for the Moving Off Information System (MOIS) and Blind Spot Information System (BSIS). Beyond these regulatory requirements, they can actively initiate braking to help avoid or mitigate imminent collisions with vulnerable road users. For highway operation, the Highway Assist feature combines the Continuous Lane Keeping Assist (CLKA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go to support stable and predictable driving. In logistics environments, reversing assistance improves visibility and can actively intervene through automated emergency braking to support safe maneuvering during docking and yard operations, while additional trailer-mounted side cameras enhance overall visibility and object detection capability.

Further functions strengthen situational awareness and driver support. ZF’s Driver Monitoring System (DMS) detects drivers’ distraction and fatigue and can actively intervene. Additional features such as acoustic siren recognition (Rescue Assist) support response to emergency vehicles outside the driver’s view. These functions address typical accident scenarios and contribute to reducing collision risks in daily operation.

Scalable system architecture as foundation for future automation

ZF’s ADAS architecture follows a scalable design and is supported by next-generation radar and camera technology to further improve perception performance. These new sensors enhance environmental perception by delivering high-quality sensing data with low latency, while providing the scalability to support integration of additional sensors and advanced data fusion architectures. This improves detection performance and increases system robustness across different vehicle platforms, use cases and regions.

“Scalability is key for our customers. They need safety systems that protect their investments, meet today’s requirements and evolve over time without redesigning the vehicle. Our ADAS portfolio enables this step-by-step upgradeability, allowing OEMs to add new functions and performance levels as their vehicles and business models evolve,” says Martin Mayer, Head of Product Segment ADAS and Electronics at ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division.

A key differentiator is ZF’s ability to combine ADAS, braking and steering into one coordinated safety system. Rather than operating as isolated functions, the technologies work together seamlessly to improve vehicle response and pave the way toward more automated commercial vehicles.

Beyond helping customers meet current safety requirements (e.g., the European General Safety Regulation, the technologies provide additional safety benefits that exceed regulatory minimum standards. This supports OEMs to achieve continuously rising targets, including higher Euro NCAP safety ratings and upcoming regulatory frameworks.

ZF at IAA Transportation 2026

ZF will present its latest technologies for commercial vehicles including advancements in automation and safety at this year's IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany (Hall 21, Booth B42).