Auto Shanghai 2021: ZF presents the next generation of ProAI

ZF is advancing on the path to becoming a computer and software specialist: According to Dr. Holger Klein, ZF Board Member for the Asia-Pacific region, the new ProAI is the "most flexible, scalable, and powerful supercomputer in the world for the automotive industry" currently.

Software is becoming a new mainstay of the automotive industry, which is why ZF is massively upgrading in this area. Designed to meet the requirements of software-defined vehicles and their new electrical/electronic architectures, the new AI-capable high-performance computer can, according to ZF, serve as a domain, zone, or central controller. It is supposed to be suitable for every vehicle type and for all levels of automated or autonomous driving: from Level 2 to Level 5. ZF Pro AI is expected to go into series production from 2024. Klein claims not only a superlative for ProAI but also a pioneering role for the company due to its high computing performance, the latest software solutions, sensors, and actuators from a single source. This, according to ZF, creates perspectives for the mobility of the future and its data-based business models.

A quadrillion computing operations per second, but 70 percent less power consumption

The computer offers a computing power of 20 to 1000 Tera-OPS. That is 1000 trillion – or a quadrillion – computing operations per second. In addition to higher computing power with up to 66 percent more Tera-OPS, the new generation consumes up to 70 percent less power (on average, this results in a computing power of three Tera-OPS per watt). The capabilities in Artificial Intelligence are optimized for deep learning and thus also provide an important basis for safety functions.

More compact design and extremely high modularity

According to ZF, ProAI offers a 360-degree fusion of all available sensor data controlled by a graphics processor, including that from radars, LiDARs, cameras, and audio patterns. A more compact design requires less installation space. For cooling, ZF plans several options, all of which fit into one case: Even considering the available cooling options – passive cooling, air cooling, and liquid cooling depending on the desired performance – most ZF Pro AI models will be delivered in the same standard case measuring 24x14x5 cm. Thanks to its modular design, the supercomputer can be equipped with "system-on-chip" (SoC) variants from various manufacturers according to customer requirements. It can also be operated with software from ZF or third-party providers. Standardized connectors and the possibility to connect multiple ZF Pro AI units make it flexible for use and installation in any vehicle type.

Autonomous parking without the help of infrastructure

ZF is currently developing the world's first system for automated, driverless parking that relies solely on a vehicle's sensor technology and is independent of a predefined parking garage infrastructure. At Auto Shanghai 2021, ZF is showcasing to the public the "Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping" (vSLAM) technology, which enables centimeter-precise localization and mapping in real time. The sensor set is mainly based on a front camera, a front radar, four surround cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors and is scalable with additional sensors and connectivity. "The entire system is being developed in China and will first be used by a Chinese automaker at the end of 2022," says Renee Wang, President of ZF China and Senior Vice President Operations for the Asia-Pacific region. She adds:

“We believe that this infrastructure-independent system for automated parking will be a cost-efficient solution for many global automakers.”

More Efficiency for Commercial Vehicles

But ZF is also advancing in solutions for commercial vehicles: Here, the supplier showcases its broad portfolio of efficient and automated driving solutions. The ZF emergency braking system for commercial vehicles, "OnGuardMAX," is making its world premiere at Auto Shanghai. It can detect a wide range of moving and stationary objects, including vehicles and pedestrians, and respond precisely when necessary.

For improved vehicle efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions, ZF presents "ZF Opti Pace." This speed control system can calculate the most economical speed of the vehicle based on road topography to minimize fuel consumption, brake wear, and emissions.

What Does This Mean?

ZF is massively expanding its software expertise to intelligently link its large hardware portfolio. It remains open to additional options and accesses at crucial points. ZF also shows flexibility with the chip. This results in an exciting computing offer from Friedrichshafen – it's a pity that it will only go into series production in 2024.