ZF Broadens Cooperation with Microsoft to Provide Digital Services
ZF has teamed up with Microsoft to create one of the most sophisticated cloud platforms on the car market. This endeavor will allow ZF to strengthen its positions in the field of automated technologies, car movement control, driving safety, and electrification initiatives.
Not long ago, ZF launched its own IoT platform designed on the basis of Microsoft Azure. This platform creates a cloud ecosystem that gathers and analyses information and creates the possibility for predictive maintenance, decrease in car downtime, advanced tracking and safety solutions, and even provides online updates for electronic mechanisms in cars.
Some insights into ZF & Microsoft cooperation
With the
help of Microsoft technologies, ZF engineers put in great efforts for practical
implementation of the “Vision Zero” concept, enabling accident-free and
emission-free driving. The smart system will provide driver with the relevant
information (traffic jams, obstacles on the road, road surface condition) and,
most importantly, it will give sound signals when the driver gets distracted
while driving. The further engagement with Microsoft allows ZF specialists to
develop even more customer-oriented and innovative products.
Check out ZF’s “Vision Zero” in action
According
to ZF officials, the joint effort with Microsoft will help ZF to be more
efficient on providing innovative mobility solutions for vehicles of the
future. With the help of Microsoft specialists the German supplier of car
components can concentrate on development of up-to-date digital services and
adjust them ideally to particular customer requirements.
Microsoft
technical engineers also show great enthusiasm about the major representative
of the automobile industry. Microsoft Azure’s cloud, AI and IoT capacities make
it possible for ZF to provide impeccable mobility services globally and to meet
various demands of their clients and partners.
ZF booth at CES 2019
At the Consumer
Electronics Show (CES) 2019,
ZF has showcased their initial application variants for the upgraded platform.
These solutions were designed with the help of different business partners and
will find wide application:
- Full-scale fleet management
VDL, one of the major providers of buses, successfully adopted the ZF IoT platform in its products. This solution provides VDL with detailed information on operation characteristics of its vehicles. By the end of the last year, more than three hundred VDL e-buses had been equipped with the mechanism. VDL uses a full range of Microsoft Azure services as efficiently as possible.
- Smart gearbox
Learn more about ZF Traxon
With the help of the innovative Predictive Maintenance feature, ZF adjusts its well-known modular TraXon gearbox for the digital future in the commercial vehicle segment. Thanks to this feature installed in the TraXon gearbox, fleet operators will be able to keep track of the state of the most important elements (such as ATF and clutch plates). This solution will ensure well-timed servicing and prevent costly damages. Starting from 2019, carmakers and fleet operators can plan car servicing in advance with the help of the cloud solution.
