ZF presented its latest autonomous shuttle to the UK Department of Transport as proof of its progress toward next generation mobility. ZF has accelerated the development of shuttle technology and says that the vision of sustainable Next Generation Mobility is no longer just ‘a vision’ but an achievable goal. 

The ZF Shuttle is an autonomous transport solution that helps governments and passenger transport organisations meet safety and sustainability goals, while facilitating the connection of rural areas to urban centres.

ZF’s goal is to relieve the congestion in inner cities and make local public transport emission-free. Chris Adcock, Head of Europe - Business Line Industrial and New Mobility at ZF explained, “We recognise that transport requirements are constantly changing and expanding and have therefore developed a system with our autonomous shuttle that eases the pressure on urban districts and connects rural areas more conveniently.”

Commenting after the presentation, Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said, “Companies like ZF are leading the way in the green transport revolution, helping us step closer to our zero-emission targets while supporting economic growth and new job opportunities in the region”

A ‘Lighthouse’ project at ZF, Software is central to the vehicle and its functionality. Its AD System is based on automotive graded components. The SW stack is a unique combination of a performance path integrated from Oxbotica and a ZF safety path for high safety standards.

ZF’s ADAS and AD business includes the fusion of sensor technologies, the systems expertise to deliver advanced functions with the necessary computing power provided by the ZF ProAI High Performance Controller.  

Opensource operating software at the ASIL-D level combined with automotive grade components provides the highest levels of safety. Teams at ZF Hub UK played a pivotal role in the Shuttle development in the areas of AI and Radar, together with the global R&D team and external partners.

ZF’s next generation shuttle utilises a virtual driver allowing the vehicle to operate in designated lanes or in open traffic. This technological advance has been developed with ZF’s strategic partner, British high-tech startup, Oxbotica and the ZF Shuttle is now capable of manoeuvring at Autonomous Level 4.  

Having years of experience already in operating shuttles in The Netherlands and Belgium, ZF’s Autonomous Transport Systems team provides a full turn-key solution. ZF Mobility Solutions manages the planning and implementation of services while global ZF Aftermarket teams can support servicing requirements.