ZF Debuts AI Software for Chassis Control and Active Noise Reduction at CES
ZF launched two new software products at CES 2026—AI Road Sense for predictive chassis adjustment and Active Noise Reduction to minimize tire noise—advancing its Chassis 2.0 strategy.
up to 3 dB
up to 10 dB
25 meters ahead
What Happened
ZF introduced AI Road Sense, an AI-driven software solution that predicts road conditions and driver behavior using sensors and its cubiX chassis software. The system adjusts dampers in real time, activating features like Snow Start to prevent wheel spin. ZF also unveiled Active Noise Reduction, which uses smart dampers to reduce tire cavity noise by up to 3 dB today and up to 10 dB in the future, with series production planned for 2028.
- Standard: Uses CAN bus signals to identify road type.
- Advanced: Adds camera data for predictive surface detection.
- Premium: Incorporates LiDAR scanning up to 25 meters ahead with 2 cm accuracy for detailed 3D terrain profiling.
up to 3 dB (current), up to 10 dB (future)
“With our Chassis 2.0 strategy, we are driving the transformation of the chassis into the digital age. By combining hardware expertise, advanced software, and artificial intelligence, we are creating solutions that not only take safety and comfort to a new level but also pave the way for the software-defined vehicle.”
Why this matters
These technologies use artificial intelligence to improve safety and comfort by anticipating road conditions and reducing cabin noise, marking a step toward software-defined vehicles that can adapt to drivers without manual adjustments.
Terms in This Story
- by-wire
- Electronic control systems that replace traditional mechanical or hydraulic linkages in vehicles, enabling software-based functionality.
- cubiX
- ZF's chassis control software that coordinates smart actuators like dampers and brakes for optimized vehicle dynamics.
- CDC
- Continuous Damping Control, a semi-active damping system that adjusts suspension stiffness in real time based on road conditions.
- sMOTION
- An active damping system from ZF that can react within milliseconds to adjust dampers for improved comfort and safety.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.