ZF Innovation Truck Turns Maneuvering Long Trucks Into A Finger Exercise

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1 Page 1/6, February 03, 2015 ZF Innovation Truck Turns Maneuvering Long Trucks Into A Finger Exercise Connect intelligently: New functions created by combining the TraXon Hybrid transmission system with telematics from Openmatics and a superimposed steering system. Direct conveniently: Truck prototype with a length of over 25 meters can be easily maneuvered via tablet remote control with zero local emissions Develop to suit demand: Maneuvering assistant simplifies both the daily work of truck drivers and logistics processes, especially at depots New, intelligent systems are needed for trucks to meet the continuously increasing requirements of road freight transport both today and in future. The ZF Innovation Truck, developed under the leadership of, shows how these might look. The tractor-trailer prototype, which measures meters with semitrailer and trailer, particularly highlights how OEMs, logistics companies, and truck drivers can benefit from the innovative integration of advanced transmission, steering, and telematics systems. The ZF Innovation Truck can, for instance, be maneuvered into the desired position remotely via a tablet app easily, quickly, precisely, and with zero local emissions thanks to the hybrid drive. In addition, the concept presented at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2014 for the first time has many further advantages. "With our Innovation Truck, we illustrate the additional potential already present in our current technologies," explains ZF's CEO Dr. Stefan Sommer. "We have realized completely new assistant functions that are incredibly efficient and, at the same time, relatively simple to implement. They can also provide answers to many of the complex challenges that forwarding and logistics companies face on a daily basis."

2 Page 2/6, February 03, 2015 Unpredictable waiting times at depots are one of the primary challenges. They make it increasingly difficult for truck drivers to keep their time schedules and to comply with legal regulations on driving, work, and rest times. Not least, maneuvering on the ramp often leads to expensive vehicle damage due to collisions.especially long tractor-trailers (approximately 25m) designed for the future are significantly more difficult to maneuver even for experienced drivers: The driver must maintain a constant overview of the entire vehicle/trailer combination from the driver's seat and simultaneously be able to precisely control the movement of the rear trailer to the centimeter solely by steering the front wheels, i.e., the driver must perfectly coordinate the two articulation angles of the semitrailer and trailer. "The maneuvering assistant in the Innovation Truck completely relieves the driver of this steering work and much more," remarks Olrik Weinmann, project manager in Advanced Engineering and Testing at ZF and the person responsible for the Innovation Truck. "They can get out and move the tractor-trailer to the exact position required with only small finger movements and using a special tablet app." Added value thanks to intelligent integration The autonomously realized Innovation Truck is primarily based on three system components. The new ZF-TraXon automatic transmission system for heavy trucks is used on the input end more precisely, the TraXon Hybrid variant, which has an electric motor integrated into the bell housing that delivers 120 kw of power and Nm of torque. A dry clutch is installed in the hybrid module in addition.this enables all hybrid functionalities up to purely electric maneuvering. The system's high-voltage battery has sufficient capacity to complete multiple maneuvers one after the other with zero local emissions. An advanced, strategic superimposed steering system is also employed. In addition to the hydraulic pump powered by a combustion engine which delivers the main power, the superimposed steering system also comprises an electric motor

3 Page 3/6, February 03, 2015 with which it can create necessary steering force with the autoignition shut off. Not least is the Openmatics telematics application playing off its strengths in the ZF Innovation Truck. It consists of an onboard or connectivity unit, sensor technology for data recording, and special software.for the wireless detection of both articulation angles of the semitrailer and center-axle trailer for steering control as well as the relative position of the driver and the tablet to the vehicle/trailer combination, "Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE)" tags were used: These are special wireless chips with low-energy requirements and a range of approximately 25 meters. In the ZF Innovation Truck, they are located on the back of the cab and on each corner of the semitrailer and trailer.as soon as the distance to the BLE tags or to the tablet changes, the field strength also changes correspondingly. This information is processed by the onboard unit and operator tablet. Viewed individually, this concerns three advanced systems that set benchmarks in their area. However, a central connecting element is still needed for the remote-controlled maneuvering function. Therefore, a prototype control unit at the heart of the maneuvering assistant integrates and coordinates the individual systems previously described: It assumes the automatic regulation of the steering wheel angle and travel speed and controls the individual actuators.the latter, like the sensors, are connected via CAN bus to the prototype control unit, which itself is in constant contact with the tablet via Bluetooth. In potential volume production applications, however, the maneuvering assistant could also run on one of the component's control units, for example on the control unit of the ZF-Servotwin or TraXon Hybrid, thus eliminating the need for an additional electronic control unit. Intuitive and safe to maneuver The maneuvering app for the tablet is another important element for enabling the 25m truck to be remotely controlled. The tractor, semitrailer, and trailer are sketched in the middle of the tablet screen as seen from above. In addition, the possible drive positions

4 Page 4/6, February 03, 2015 of the automatic transmission and the selection menu for the travel speed are displayed: The operator can choose from speeds of 4, 2, or 1 km/h for forward driving and 0.5, 1, or 2 km/h for reverse driving.once the drive position and speed have been selected by touch, the tablet user only needs to keep a finger on the front of the truck or the back of the trailer on the touchscreen, and the nearly-noiseless all-electric drive sets the unoccupied ZF Innovation Truck in motion. If they want to steer to the right or left, they only need to slide their finger on the screen in the respective direction. As soon as you take your finger off the screen, the vehicle stops automatically.the same happens if radio contact between the tablet and the Innovation Truck is interrupted. Expanded functional diversity In addition to the maneuvering and coupling assistant, numerous other additional functions arise from the intelligent connection of the various systems; such functions promise to provide added value in the everyday logistics routine of the future, so the vehicle data from the ZF Innovation Truck can be visualized on the tablet screen. The driver can, for example, call up the state of charge for the hybrid battery and many other parameters even during normal driving when he/she is sitting behind the wheel.in the end, the team created a new interface to integrate the tablet seamlessly into the truck cockpit as an additional display instrument. "From a purely technical point of view, it would also be possible for trucks at the depot to move to the loading ramp or parking position completely on their own, i.e., even without the remote control app," continues Weinmann. "This, however, requires a different infrastructure at the depots and is thus a vision for the future."

5 Page 5/6, February 03, 2015 Captions: 23.) The ZF Innovation Truck a truck prototype with a length of over 25 meters can be conveniently maneuvered via tablet remote control with zero local emissions. 24.) Intelligently connected: The maneuvering assistant in the ZF Innovation Truck was made possible by the innovative combination and control of three system elements: the TraXon Hybrid transmission system, the Openmatics connectivity platform from ZF, and a system-compatible superimposed steering system. 25.) The maneuvering app for the ZF Innovation Truck can be operated intuitively and features a clear design a driver or dispatcher can move the truck into the exact position required with just his/her finger. Photos: ZF Press contact: Frank Discher, Product Communication Trade Press, Tel.: , Fax: , frank.discher@zf.com Thomas Wenzel, Head of Product Communication Trade Press, Tel.: , Fax: , thomas.wenzel@zf.com ZF is a global leader in driveline and chassis technology with 122 production companies in 26 countries. In 2014, the Group will presumably achieve a sales figure of more than EUR 18 billion with approximately employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about five percent of its sales (2014: around EUR 890 million) in research and development. ZF is one of the ten largest automotive suppliers worldwide. In the Industrial Technology division, ZF pools its activities for off-road applications. It comprises the development and production of transmissions and axles for agricultural and construction machinery as well as driveline technology for forklift trucks, rail and special vehicles. The division is also responsible for the

6 Page 6/6, February 03, 2015 worldwide business of marine propulsion systems, aviation technology as well as the development and production of gearboxes for wind turbines.test systems for all kinds of applications in driveline and chassis technology and the open telematics platform Openmatics are also included in the division s portfolio. In 2015, the company is celebrating its centennial. Originally named Zahnradfabrik GmbH, ZF was founded in Friedrichshafen in 1915 by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH among others. In its early years, the company developed, tested, and manufactured aircraft transmissions. After 1919, the company focus shifted under Alfred Graf von Soden-Fraunhofen, the first Managing Director and later member of the Board of Management and CEO, to the automotive and commercial vehicle industry. In this sector, the company established itself once and for all as a major technology supplier, registering numerous patents for innovative transmission technology. The first location outside Europe was founded in Brazil in 1958, launching a globalization drive that still continues today. In addition, ZF constantly expanded its range of expertise also through acquisitions.for instance, in 1984 ZF acquired the majority share in Lemförder Metallwaren & Co. KG, a move which extended the product portfolio to include chassis technology. Later, in 2001, ZF took over Mannesmann Sachs AG to strengthen its value creation chain with driveline and chassis components. It adopted the current name of in Today's product range includes driveline and chassis technology such as transmissions, driveline and chassis components, as well as complete axle systems and modules. ZF products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, rail vehicles, and marine applications. The company also focuses on the wind power and electronic components business. In 2014, ZF announced its intention to acquire US automotive supplier TRW. The shareholders of are the Zeppelin Foundation, administered by the City of Friedrichshafen, holding a share of 93.8 percent, and the Dr. Jürgen and Irmgard Ulderup Foundation, Lemförde, with 6.2 percent.the "Motion and Mobility" slogan clearly states the company's core mission: Right from its foundation, ZF has developed and manufactured innovative products for all people around the globe who want to move things reliably, comfortably, and safely and experience the ultimate in efficient mobility. Quality, technological leadership, and innovative power have always defined the Group's identity today as much as ever. For further press information and photos please visit: