ZF launches 360° active safety system for trucks and trailers

ZF Friedrichshafen AG presented a scalable 360° safety concept that treats a truck and its trailer as a single coordinated system. The architecture integrates radar and camera sensors from both units via a high‑speed Ethernet "Truck‑Trailer Link," merging data into one environmental model to eliminate perception gaps. Building on ZF’s OnGuardMAX platform, the system moves beyond warning‑based assistance to active collision‑prevention, capable of autonomous braking to protect vulnerable road users.

Key functions include Highway Assist (lane‑keeping, adaptive cruise control with stop‑and‑go), reversing assistance with side cameras, driver monitoring, and siren recognition. The suite meets European General Safety Regulation requirements for moving‑off and blind‑spot information while offering higher‑level automation for fleet operators. The concept was unveiled at ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Technology Day ahead of IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, with comments from Dr. Thomas Dieckmann, Technology & Innovation Officer, and Martin Mayer, Head of ADAS and Electronics for Commercial Vehicle Solutions.