ZF to introduce automated bus stop assistance system for city buses

ZF has introduced City Bus Assist, a new driver assistance system designed to automate bus stop approaches.

Ahead of IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, ZF presented the City Bus Assist, a proof-of-concept solution combining perception sensors, steering assistance and suspension control to support city bus operations. The system forms part of the company’s strategy to integrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), braking, steering, suspension and software functions into a coordinated vehicle architecture for urban buses.

ZF City Bus Assist automates bus stop approaches

ZF’s made City Bus Assist supports drivers during the approach to bus stops by providing automated steering assistance that guides the vehicle accurately alongside the curb. According to ZF, the system also coordinates the bus kneeling function through integrated suspension control, reducing the vertical gap between the vehicle floor and the curb to facilitate barrier-free boarding.

The company states that the coordinated steering and suspension functions are also intended to minimise lateral tyre scrub during docking manoeuvres while improving consistency when approaching bus stops.

The technology was demonstrated during ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Tech Day, held ahead of IAA Transportation 2026, which will take place in Hanover from 14 to 20 September.

In brief

• What is City Bus Assist? A proof-of-concept system combining automated steering assistance and coordinated kneeling during bus stop approaches.
• How does the system improve accessibility? It automatically aligns the bus with the curb and lowers the suspension to reduce the boarding gap.
• Which vehicles is the solution designed for? ZF developed City Bus Assist for urban bus applications, integrating steering, suspension and ADAS technologies.
• When will ZF showcase the technology to the industry? The company will present City Bus Assist at IAA Transportation 2026, taking place in Hanover from 14 to 20 September.

Integrated chassis and ADAS technologies

City Bus Assist is part of a broader portfolio of integrated vehicle systems showcased by ZF for urban bus applications.

Among the technologies presented was the City Bus Collision Mitigation System (CMS), an assistance system designed specifically for city buses launched in 2022. The system detects vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and can automatically initiate braking to mitigate or avoid collisions. ZF notes that the system is already deployed by several bus manufacturers and builds on the company’s OnGuardMAX ADAS platform.

ZF also highlighted CDC Skyhook, a software-controlled damping algorithm that continuously adjusts suspension damping in real time to improve ride comfort and vehicle stability. Completing the package is the e-comp Scroll electric air compressor, an oil-free and low-noise unit supporting braking and suspension systems while reducing noise and maintenance requirements, particularly on battery-electric buses.

Portfolio extends from electrification to digital fleet management

The latest additions complement ZF’s wider bus technology portfolio, which spans chassis systems, steering, braking, driveline, electrification and digital services.

The company recently presented its AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle (the last time at Busworld Turkey) with optional digital condition monitoring capabilities, together with updates to the ZF Bus Connect fleet management platform. Together with the newly introduced City Bus Assist, these technologies form part of ZF’s integrated approach to vehicle safety, electrification and connected fleet operations.

“The direction toward the commercial vehicle of the future is crystalizing, but the path is non-linear and iterative,” said Andreas Moser, Member of the ZF Board of Management and Head of Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division. “At CV Tech Day, we demonstrate how we support our customers with practical solutions that deliver value today and enable a cost-efficient, scalable transition toward zero accidents and zero emissions.” 

“Software and connected system intelligence are becoming the key ingredients to unlock next level potentials of commercial vehicles,” said Ivan Brajdic, Head of R&D, Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division. “Our approach to software- and feature-driven commercial vehicles is evolutionary, not revolutionary. We combine our system expertise across ADAS, braking, electrified drivetrains, steering and suspension with an evolution in E/E and software architectures to enable vehicles to continuously improve, enhancing safety, efficiency and uptime over their entire lifecycle.”