ZF Introduces City Bus Assist to Support Safer and More Accessible Bus Stop Approaches

Im Vorfeld der IAA 2026 zeigt ZF seine strategische Rolle bei der Realisierung sicherer, barrierefreierer und komfortablerer Stadtbusanwendungen durch softwaregestützte Systemintegration.
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Ahead of IAA 2026, ZF demonstrates its strategic role in enabling safer, more accessible and more comfortable city bus operations through software‑enabled system integration.

(IN BRIEF) ZF has introduced City Bus Assist, a new perception-sensor-based proof-of-concept solution designed to make city bus stop approaches safer, smoother and more accessible. The system combines automated steering assistance with integrated kneeling control, helping buses align more precisely with the curb while lowering the vehicle for easier, barrier-free boarding. The technology was presented ahead of IAA Transportation 2026 and forms part of ZF’s wider strategy to integrate ADAS, braking, steering, suspension and software functions across commercial vehicles. ZF said the solution can help bus OEMs and public transport operators improve safety, passenger comfort, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership. Alongside City Bus Assist, ZF highlighted related technologies including City Bus CMS for collision mitigation, CDC Skyhook for real-time damping control, and e-comp Scroll, a low-noise electric air compressor for braking and suspension systems. The company will present its commercial vehicle technologies at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRIEDRICHSHAFEN/ HANOVER, 10-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ZF has introduced City Bus Assist, a new perception-sensor-based solution designed to support safer, smoother and more accessible city bus operations at bus stops.

Presented ahead of IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, the proof-of-concept system combines automated steering assistance with coordinated kneeling control, helping city buses approach stops more precisely while improving passenger comfort and accessibility.

City Bus Assist is designed to guide a bus accurately along the curb during stop approaches, reducing lateral tyre scrub and supporting smoother vehicle positioning. At the same time, integrated suspension control manages the kneeling function, lowering the bus to reduce the vertical entry gap and support barrier-free boarding.

ZF said the system demonstrates how the smart integration of advanced driver assistance systems, braking, steering, suspension and software functions can help bus manufacturers and public transport operators improve safety, efficiency and total cost of ownership.

The company presented the solution during its CV Tech Day, a press event held ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, which takes place in Hanover from 14 to 20 September. ZF will exhibit at the event in Hall 21, Booth B42.

The City Bus Assist concept reflects a future urban transport scenario in which buses can approach stops in a more controlled and predictable way. In heavy city traffic, automated steering assistance supports the driver by guiding the vehicle close to the curb, while the suspension lowers smoothly for step-free access. The result is intended to create a calmer and safer experience for both drivers and passengers.

Ivan Brajdic, Head of R&D at ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division, said city buses operate in complex environments where safety, comfort and reliability must be balanced.

“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 Brajdic.

He added that ZF is creating connected system intelligence across driver assistance, chassis control and software functions to support drivers in critical situations, improve comfort and accessibility for passengers, and enable more efficient fleet operation.

ZF’s approach to city bus technology is based on the interaction of multiple systems across the vehicle. Alongside City Bus Assist, the company highlighted several other technologies for urban bus applications.

City Bus CMS, or Collision Mitigation System, is a dedicated safety system for city buses. It can detect vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and initiate braking to mitigate or avoid collisions. The system is designed to improve safety for standing passengers as well as other road users and builds on ZF’s ADAS portfolio, including the OnGuardMAX platform. ZF said City Bus CMS is already being used by well-known bus manufacturers.

ZF also presented CDC Skyhook, a software-based damping algorithm that continuously adapts damper performance in real time. The system stabilises vehicle movements, improving ride comfort for passengers and supporting better vehicle dynamics.

Another technology in the portfolio is e-comp Scroll, a low-noise, oil-free electric air compressor supporting braking and suspension systems. Its reduced noise and vibration are designed to improve comfort, particularly in electric buses, while also lowering maintenance requirements.

ZF continues to expand its broader portfolio for bus manufacturers and public transport operators. At Busworld Türkiye, the company recently showcased electrification technologies including the AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle with optional digital condition monitoring, as well as enhancements to its digital fleet services portfolio such as ZF Bus Connect.

Together, these technologies form part of ZF’s wider offering for the bus industry, spanning advanced driver assistance systems, braking, steering, chassis systems, driveline technologies, electrification and digital fleet management.

ZF will present its latest commercial vehicle technologies at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, where the company will showcase solutions designed to support safer, smarter and more efficient transport operations.

ZF at IAA Transportation 2026

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

Media Contacts:

Frank Discher
Bus and Coach Technology
+49 7541 77-960 770
E-Mail: frank.discher@zf.com

Tim Glockemann
Truck and Trailer Technology
+49 173 2457116
E-Mail: tim.glockemann@zf.com

SOURCE: ZF