ZF's new Innovation Tractor detects trailers automatically

"By networking intelligent and self-learning systems, we’re entering a whole new dimension,”

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN/HANOVER: German automotive components manufacturer ZF is going to focus on the areas of artificial intelligence and cloud-based solutions, demonstrating how technology from the automotive sector can be applied to industrial applications such as wind turbines, agricultural machinery and cable cars.

“By networking intelligent and self-learning systems, we’re entering a whole new dimension,” says Wilhelm Rehm, member of the Board of Management of ZF Friedrichshafen, responsible for the Industrial Technology Division.

“Our triad, ‘SEE – THINK – ACT', encapsulates the transformation of pure mechanics into intelligent mechanical systems that capture and analyze situations and respond accordingly.”

One of the technology forward products the company will be showcasing is its Innovation Tractor, informed the company in a statement. ZF sensor and actuator technology not only allows the tractor to be maneuvered via tablet, but also enables it to detect trailers automatically and move to the correct coupling position at the push of a button.

Another of this year’s highlights will be ZF ProAl, an electronic control unit co-developed by Nvidia and ZF. Based on a supercomputing platform, it brings artificial intelligence within the reach of the mobility and industry sectors.