ZF Group and Infineon Technologies collaborated to control vehicle software through AI algorithms
German manufacturers ZF Group and Infineon Technologies have jointly created and implemented AI algorithms to develop and control vehicle software. The aim is to oversee and optimise the actuators, which produce the controlled force needed during automated driving.
This effort is part of the EEmotion project, which aims to develop an AI algorithm-based control system for automated driving that ensures more precise trajectory control in various driving situations. The EEmotion project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has applied AI algorithms early in the development phase of a vehicle, which allows for efficient vehicle design.
ZF added two AI algorithms to its two software solutions, cubiX and Eco Control 4 ACC. Because the algorithms require substantial computing power, these two solutions were then implemented on Infineon’s AURIX TC4x microcontroller (MCU), along with an integrated parallel processing unit to speed up the complex computations.
“With our semiconductor products, software and services, Infineon enables customers to develop their own AI applications,” said Peter Schiefer, the president of Infineon’s automotive division. “Our AURIX TC4x is ideally suited for in-car AI applications because its parallel processing unit enables the fast and parallel processing of data that is essential for artificial intelligence, heralding the next stages of automated and ultimately autonomous driving."
The ZF cubiX allows for control over all components of the load-bearing framework, or chassis, in both passenger and commercial vehicles. The Eco Control 4 ACC has a predictive cruise control system that is being optimised with an algorithm and model-predictive control to reach up to 8% more range under real driving conditions.
This level of precision has led to better, safer driving performance. For example, automated lane changes can be executed with more accuracy, discouraging potential accidents and improving the driving experience.
"The EEmotion funding project shows that our artificial intelligence-based algorithms provide our customers with new advantages,” said Torsten Gollewski, the head of research and development at ZF. “AI makes it possible for products to be equipped with new functions and to be developed faster and more efficiently.”
Not only has the performance improved, but the energy efficiency of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, has increased. The more efficient the algorithms are, the better the software can control the drive, brakes, front and rear wheel steering and damping systems.
"The EEmotion project successfully integrated artificial intelligence into the safety-critical functions of the vehicle control system. This was validated on the software side, making further progress towards highly automated driving possible," said Ernst Stoeckl-Pukall, the head of the digitisation and industry 4.0 department at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. "The project has thus provided important impetus that has strengthened the innovative power and competitiveness of the German automotive industry."
