ZF AD Stack Continues

Here is the breakdown of the autonomous driving (AD) software architecture running on ZF’s ProAI compute platform.

ZF uses an "Open Platform" strategy for ProAI. Rather than locking OEMs into a single proprietary AD stack, ProAI is modular and hardware-agnostic (supporting SoCs from Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and Horizon Robotics).

Here is the software stack layers running on top of ProAI.

1.The Abstraction Layer: ZF Middleware

ZF developed its own comprehensive middleware that sits directly on the ProAI OS. This abstracts the hardware, allowing OEMs to seamlessly plug and play different software functions without rewriting core code for different silicon.

2. The Virtual Driver Layer (Third-Party AD Stacks)

Because of the open architecture, ZF partners with specialized software providers for the actual "brains" (perception, planning, and decision-making) of the autonomous system. Depending on the use case, ProAI runs:

• Plus (PlusDrive): For commercial vehicles and automated trucking (L2+ to L4).

• Baidu Apollo Pilot: Tailored specifically for the Chinese passenger vehicle market.

• Oxa (formerly Oxbotica): The primary software stack for ZF’s Level 4 autonomous passenger shuttles.

• AutoX: For L4 Robotaxi deployments.

3.The Execution Layer: ZF ADOPT & cubiX

This is where ZF retains its strategic control over the "Iron Triangle" of chassis software:

• The third-party virtual driver (e.g., Oxa or Plus) calculates the desired path.

• ZF ADOPT (Autonomous Driving Open Platform Technology) acts as the translator. It takes the virtual driver's path and calculates the exact vehicle dynamics required.

• ADOPT sends those commands to cubiX (ZF’s chassis control software), which physically actuates the steering, braking, and active suspension.



Strategic Takeaway:

ZF does not want to compete with Waymo or Mobileye on building the ultimate AI driver. Instead, they position ProAI, ADOPT, and cubiX as the indispensable "plug-and-play" foundation that any software company must use to safely drive the physical vehicle.

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