During ZF’s CV Tech Day, a press event ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, the company showed a smart integration of ADAS, braking, steering, and suspension to improve safety in complex urban traffic. City Bus Assist is a "perception-sensor-based" solution for automated steering assistance and coordinated kneeling at bus stops.
With this smart integration of software functions across chassis technologies and advanced driver assistance systems, ZF states it helps bus OEMs and public transport operators to improve safety, efficiency and total cost of ownership. The driver is supported by City Bus Assist, an automated steering assistance that guides the vehicle precisely along the curb and lowers automatically the suspension to enable step-free access. “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 at ZF. “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.”
The system is based on the intelligent interaction of driver assistance systems, chassis technologies and software. First there is "City Bus Assist", second: "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. Third is "CDC Skyhook", a software-based damping algorithm that continuously adapts damper performance in real time to stabilize vehicle movements and thus enhancing ride comfort. Fourth is "e-comp Scroll": A low-noise, oil-free electric air compressor that supports braking and suspension systems. Recently ZF showcased at Busworld Türkiye, 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.