ZF says it will invest more than EUR12bn (US$14bn) in e-mobility and autonomous driving during the next five years as part of its drive to make the logistics chain part of current megatrends.
“We are revolutionising the ‘last mile’ so packages can be delivered more cleanly, safely and on time,” said ZF CEO, Wolf-Henning Scheider. “For this reason, we are working together with partners and customers to further develop our concept ready for series production within the next two years.
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“In order to quickly offer the market our systems expertise in the form of innovative and practical solutions, we will be investing more than GBP12bn (US$14bn) in e-mobility and autonomous driving alone over the next five years.
“Despite current challenges in the markets and increased spending for developing new technologies, ZF remains on course. We will achieve our goals for the current year which include our revenue targets, investment increases and reducing debt.”
To illustrate its Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric (CASE) credentials, ZF highlights its Innovation Van to speed delivery and help alleviate traffic issues, particularly for the ‘last mile.’
“We are already in concrete negotiations with several customers,” added Scheider. “ZF’s Innovation Van is based on its high-speed super computer ZF ProAI, as well as its sensor set consisting of camera, radar and Lidar.
“The all-electric delivery truck is equipped with level 4 autonomous driving functions and is designed to independently manoeuvrer through city centres, stay in its lane even if 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 – which utilises a tablet-based remote control –is particularly helpful for drivers. If two addresses are close enough that it makes more sense for the delivery driver to stay on foot, the Innovation Van will follow the driver as if on a virtual leash.
“In addition, if there is no parking available at a certain address, the driver can send the vehicle ahead to the next stop where it will look for a parking space on its own. This will also help to avoid traffic jams in future caused by delivery trucks which are often double parked.”
