ZF has launched its coASSIST SAE Level2+ semi-automated driving system on the Dongfeng Motor Aeolus Yixuan, which was launched late in 2020. This marks the first launch globally of coASSIST, which delivers advanced safety and convenience functions with “the most affordable Level2+ system in the industry,” says ZF.
The system enables the meeting of projected Euro NCAP 2025 test protocols and, following the initial start of production, will introduce ZF’s Gen21 mid-range radar.
Capable of increased speed resolution, the new radar sensor has a greater detection range of more than 200 m (656 ft) to support optimum adaptive cruise control performance at long distances. The high-performance radar sensor gives direct measurement of distance and relative speed, is said to operate under virtually all weather conditions, and provides enhanced Euro NCAP AEB performance with improved angular discrimination.
While ZF is the full system integrator of coASSIST, it was developed in conjunction with partner Mobileye, an Intel Company, which contributed EyeQ camera technology, and Hella, which provides short-range radars. The combination of advanced camera tech, radar sensor suite, and a central control unit enables functions such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane change assist, lane-keeping assist, highway driving assist, and traffic jam support.
“The launch of coASSIST with Dongfeng Motor marks an important milestone in bringing the advantages of Level 2+ systems to affordable passenger vehicles,” said Christophe Marnat, Executive Vice President for the ZF Electronics and Advanced Driver Assist Systems division. “At ZF, we believe that Level 2+ systems that meet advanced safety test protocols and help relieve the stress on the driving task will be the primary driver for light vehicles in the near future.”
Making these systems affordable is important as it enables more market penetration and brings the system advantages to consumers more rapidly. This will also help them to acclimate to semi-automated functions (with the driver always in the loop) while offering advanced safety and convenience functions.
“For passenger cars, we see the greatest potential in Level 2+ concepts for implementing automated driving functions and making them accessible to all drivers,” said ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider at CES 2020. At the time, ZF said coASSIST would be available for well under $1000—while meeting projected Euro NCAP test protocols and delivering popular Level 2+ functions.
In addition to coASSIST, ZF offers two more powerful Level 2+ systems.
The next level is coDRIVE, which extends the functionality of traffic jam and highway driving support. The system’s 360° surround camera perception and Mobileye’s EyeQ processing capability enable automated lane changes and automatic overtaking.
The coPILOT offering is designed for advanced computing power and processing scalability from Level 2+ up to Level 4. It uses ZF’s ProAI controller, developed with Nvidia, to offer feet- and hands-free operation, automated lane change and passing, automated garage parking, and route learning.
“This full suite of offerings is the most comprehensive in the industry and allows customers to choose the right level of functionality to assist in driving scenarios such as highway driving, traffic jams in urban or highway situations, driver initiated to automatic lane changes, and automated parking assistance,” said Marnat. “Following the initial launch of coASSIST with Dongfeng, ZF higher-level autonomous driving functions will be provided and applied to the Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan MAX, the flagship model of the Dongfeng Aeolus Yixuan family in the following 1-3 years.”
