Knorr-Bremse Unveils Groundbreaking Autonomous Maneuvering at IAA
Knorr-Bremse has developed a self-driving semitrailer that can autonomously move to and from the loading bay without a driver. They showcased this technology, along with other future driver assistance systems, at the IAA event in Hannover.
Peter Laier, a member of Knorr-Bremse’s executive board, mentioned that while the industry is abuzz about trucks that can autonomously drive on highways, this is a long-term goal. In the meantime, Knorr-Bremse is focusing on improving and expanding driver assistance systems and automated driving technologies.
Autonomous yard maneuvers enhance efficiency, making use of the powertrain, iHSA steering gear, and braking system, all synchronized with radar, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and GPS. This smart connectivity allows the truck to precisely navigate to the loading bay, stopping automatically if any danger is detected. This reduces minor damages during complex maneuvers and minimizes errors in bay selection, freeing drivers to attend to other tasks or take breaks.
By demonstrating autonomous yard maneuvering, Knorr-Bremse highlights its technical prowess and systems integration expertise. These features can be quickly implemented in the controlled environment of a depot, where low speeds and fenced spaces prevail.
Knorr-Bremse has already begun implementing advanced technologies such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking in trucks currently on the roads. The next advancements on their agenda include turn-off assist, congestion assist, and motorway assist.
With the acquisition of Tedrive Steering Systems and its iHSA intelligent hydraulic steering assist system, Knorr-Bremse plans to offer various driver assistance systems and automated driving functions from a single source. Their GSBC global scalable brake control system serves as an efficient integration platform for future driver assistance features. Together, GSBC and iHSA provide both longitudinal and lateral vehicle guidance for automated driving, with a built-in back-up function for component failures, ensuring reliable automation in commercial vehicles.
In addition to autonomous yard maneuvering, Knorr-Bremse introduced a turn-off assist system at the IAA, which aims to reduce accidents at urban intersections. It replaces the near-side door mirror with a camera and side-mounted radar to scan the surroundings, displaying visual feeds on a monitor inside the vehicle. If a collision risk is detected, the driver receives audio-visual warnings, allowing for better situational awareness and timely response.
