German braking technology company, Knorr-Bremse, aims to help shape the mobility sector via a series of innovations on show at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover.
At IAA, Knorr-Bremse is showcasing two new generations of disc brakes: SYNACT two-piston brake for prime movers and the NEXTT single-piston brake for prime movers with low axle loads and for trailers.
The company’s next-generation Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) system will also be on show at the IAA. Along with the modular construction that reportedly provides its customers with maximum flexibility when installing ABS and EBS applications, GSBC will form the integration platform for a whole array of automated driving functions.
Knorr-Bremse will be demonstrating its system solutions for automated driving functions in the New Mobility World Live arena. The Knorr-Bremse booth in the outdoor zone will be given over entirely to solutions for semi-trailers and trailers, along with the TruckServices offering for the aftermarket.
The main focus in the arena will be on brake control and chassis management by means of new-generation (G3) Trailer EBS, the entire wheelend portfolio, and trailer remote control with iTAP, the intelligent Trailer Access Point with new functions including a user-friendly mobile app. Also on show will be the EconX range of products remanufactured to original equipment standards.
To improve traffic safety, Knorr-Bremse has an Automatic Emergency Braking System and Blind Spot Assistant. Also, the link between steering and braking systems will reportedly play a decisive role moving forward. The smart interaction of all the sub-components in the vehicle not only clears the way for new safety-related functions but also opens up major potential synergies that can make a real contribution to improving the total cost of ownership.
On the connectivity megatrend, Knorr-Bremse’s ProFleet Connect connectivity solution is a modular and cross-brand telematics system for optimised fleet management and greater active safety, which also facilitates driver training and more efficient diagnostics and maintenance. ProFleet Connect can be adapted to suit specific customer requirements and is designed for both the tractor unit and the trailer.
For better emission reduction and e-mobility, Knorr-Bremse will present various electrically controlled components such as electric actuators for engine air management or the new generation of the electrically powered screw-type compressor. The company will also show its In-Motion-Charging solution for electric vehicles.
Following trends in automated driving, Knorr-Bremse will demonstrate a prototype truck that can drive sections of the route on motorways/freeways fully autonomously and can action overtaking manuevers. With the initial sensor system in 2014 that combined radar and video data to boost the precision of the Automated Emergency Braking System as well as the fully autonomous Yard Manuevering vehicle in 2016, the latest 2018 prototype represents another milestone for the company's progress with highly automated driving (HAD).
Emissions reduction, electric mobility, automated driving and connectivity are megatrends that will shape the mobility sector in addition to traffic safety, according to Knorr-Bremse Member of the Executive Board, Dr Peter Laier.
“Against this backdrop, Knorr-Bremse will be the ideal systems partner for its customers going forward,” he said. “We will be presenting our portfolio of products and services at the commercial vehicle industry’s key trade fairs – IAA and Automechanika – in September, including pioneering traffic safety technologies and automated transportation solutions for highway and city applications.”
(Image: Knorr-Bremse Member of the Executive Board, Dr Peter Laier.)