Life-sized RV

A 25-m long truck that can be manoeuvred conveniently and safely using a tablet … This isn’t science fiction, but ZF’s Innovation Truck – which it’s debuting at the IAA International Motor Show.

ZF states that its innovations for driveline, chassis and steering systems have always kept in mind the intelligent interplay between the three. “This is because completely new functions can derive from the networking of individual systems, as is shown by the ZF Innovation Truck.”

The life-sized, “remote-controlled vehicle” uses a hybrid version of the company’s TraXon automatic transmission system, combined with the Servotwin superimposed steering system and telematics solutions from Openmatics (ZF’s telematics solution) in this 25-m long truck prototype (which includes a semitrailer and trailer).

During local deliveries, the Innovation Truck is emission free because only the electric motor in the hybrid system is active during the process.

ZF’s CEO, Stefan Sommer, adds: “We have realised 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.”

The technology company is demonstrating exactly how at stand B17, from September 25 to October 2, in Hall 17.