By ATN Editorial Team
Summary: ZF has presented City Bus Assist, a proof-of-concept system that automates steering assistance and suspension kneeling as a city bus approaches a stop. Shown at the company’s CV Tech Day ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, it uses perception sensors to guide the vehicle precisely to the kerb while lowering the suspension for step-free boarding.
Key engineering takeaway: City Bus Assist automates steering assistance with integrated kneeling control, part of ZF’s software-based integration of ADAS, braking, steering and suspension. Perception sensors manage lateral positioning during the approach to minimise lateral tyre scrub, while integrated suspension control optimises kneeling to reduce the vertical entry gap. ZF also showed City Bus CMS, a collision mitigation system built on its OnGuardMAX ADAS platform, the CDC Skyhook real-time damping algorithm and the oil-free e-comp Scroll electric air compressor.
Why it matters: ZF presents City Bus Assist as a proof of concept for integrating software functions across chassis technologies and advanced driver assistance systems, which it says helps bus OEMs and operators improve safety, efficiency and total cost of ownership. The system is designed to support drivers during bus stop approaches while minimising lateral tyre scrub and reducing the vertical entry gap for barrier-free boarding.
- New City Bus Assist enhances accessibility and passenger comfort at every stop
- Smart integration of ADAS, braking, steering, and suspension further improves safety in complex urban traffic
- Find ZF during IAA Transportation in Hall 21, Booth B42
ZF is strengthening its position as a trusted partner for the commercial vehicle industry with a clear focus on safe, intelligent and passenger-centric city bus operations. Ahead of IAA Transportation 2026 (Hanover, September 14–20), the company presented City Bus Assist, a perception-sensor-based solution for automated steering assistance and coordinated kneeling at bus stops, and demonstrates how the smart integration of software functions across chassis technologies and advanced driver assistance systems, helps bus OEMs and public transport operators improve safety, efficiency and total cost of ownership.
A city bus glides toward its next stop. Despite heavy traffic, the driver is unconcerned, supported by automated steering assistance that guides the vehicle precisely along the curb. The suspension automatically lowers smoothly to enable step-free access. Inside, passengers remain comfortable as the bus decelerates in a controlled and predictable manner. For both driver and passengers, the maneuver feels calm, seamless, and safe.
As demonstrated during ZF’s CV Tech Day, a press event ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, this scenario could soon be part of everyday operation. ZF supports public transport operators with integrated systems, new features and software-based vehicle intelligence designed to improve safety, efficiency, total cost of ownership and comfort.
“In complex urban environments, city buses must meet multiple demands at the same time: protecting road users and passengers, ensuring a smooth ride even during stop-and-go city traffic, while also continuing to work reliably,” said Ivan Brajdic, Head of R&D, Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division. “We create connected system intelligence across advanced driver assistance systems, chassis control systems and software functions to support drivers in critical situations while improving comfort and accessibility for passengers and enabling more efficient fleet operation.”
City Bus Assist Combines Steering And Kneeling Control
ZF’s approach to city bus operation is based on the intelligent interaction of driver assistance systems, chassis technologies and software, illustrated at CV Tech Day through the following innovations for urban bus applications:
- City Bus Assist: Presented for the very first time at ZF’s CV Tech Day, this proof of concept supports drivers during bus stop approaches by automating steering assistance with integrated kneeling control. The system helps guide the vehicle precisely to the curb while minimizing lateral tire scrub. Integrated suspension control optimizes kneeling to reduce the vertical entry gap for barrier-free boarding.
- City Bus CMS (Collision Mitigation System): A dedicated safety system tailored for city buses that actively detects vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and can initiate braking to mitigate or avoid collisions, contributing to improved safety for standing passengers and other road users. The system builds on ZF’s ADAS portfolio, including OnGuardMAX platform, designed to meet evolving safety requirements and support higher levels of driver assistance. City Bus CMS is already in use today by well-known bus OEMs.
- CDC Skyhook: A software-based damping algorithm that continuously adapts damper performance in real time. It stabilizes vehicle movements, enhancing ride comfort for passengers and improving overall vehicle dynamics.
- e-comp Scroll: A low-noise, oil-free electric air compressor that supports braking and suspension systems. Its reduced noise and vibration, improves comfort, especially in electric buses, while lowering maintenance requirements.
ZF’s Wider Bus Portfolio Ahead Of IAA Transportation 2026
Alongside the technologies presented above, ZF continues to expand its portfolio for bus manufacturers and operators. At Busworld Türkiye, the company recently showcased its electrification solutions, including the AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle with optional digital condition monitoring capabilities, alongside further enhancements to its digital fleet services portfolio such as ZF Bus Connect. Together, these solutions underline ZF’s commitment to the bus industry and form part of a comprehensive portfolio spanning ADAS, braking, steering, chassis, driveline, electrification and digital fleet management technologies.
ZF will present its latest technologies for commercial vehicles at IAA Transportation 2026 (Hall 21, Booth B42). Further details on ZF’s CV Tech Day and a preview of selected highlights ahead of the show can be found in the press kit: https://zf.com/technology-day
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