ZF introduced City Bus Assist, a perception-sensor-based system that automates steering assistance and kneeling control during bus stop approaches, debuting the technology this week at the company’s CV Tech Day ahead of IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany. The proof of concept, shown for the first time at the pre-show event, is designed to guide buses precisely to the curb while coordinating suspension control for step-free boarding, according to ZF. It’s part of a broader set of chassis and driver-assistance technologies the company plans to detail in its IAA Transportation press kit ahead of the show, which runs September 14–20 in Hanover. ZF will present the full lineup at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hall 21, Booth B42.
Highlights
- City Bus Assist: New proof-of-concept system automates steering to reduce the horizontal gap to the curb and coordinates suspension-based kneeling for barrier-free boarding.
- City Bus CMS: Collision-mitigation braking system already in use by bus OEMs, built on ZF’s OnGuardMAX platform, detects vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
- CDC Skyhook: Software-based damping algorithm that adjusts damper performance in real time to stabilize the vehicle and improve ride comfort.
- e-comp Scroll: Oil-free electric air compressor for braking and suspension systems, aimed at reducing noise and maintenance on electric buses.
How City Bus Assist Works
City Bus Assist relies on perception sensors to automate steering during the approach to a stop, minimizing lateral tire scrub while guiding the bus close to the curb. Integrated suspension control coordinates kneeling to reduce the vertical gap between the bus floor and the curb, supporting barrier-free boarding. ZF frames the system as an extension of its existing driver-assistance and chassis-control technologies into a single coordinated function for urban transit operators.
“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. “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.”
Existing Safety and Comfort Systems Round Out the Platform
City Bus Assist joins technologies ZF has already brought to market. City Bus CMS, a collision-mitigation system built on the company’s OnGuardMAX platform, is already deployed with bus OEMs and uses camera and radar detection to help avoid or reduce the severity of frontal collisions. CDC Skyhook, a software-based damping algorithm, continuously adjusts damper characteristics using external sensor and CAN-bus input to improve stability and ride comfort. The e-comp Scroll air compressor, an oil-free unit aimed at electric buses, supports braking and suspension functions while reducing noise and cutting maintenance needs tied to lubrication.
A Wider Bus and Coach Portfolio
ZF said the new steering and kneeling functions sit alongside a broader push in bus electrification and fleet software. The company recently showed its AxTrax 2 LF electric portal axle, which includes optional digital condition monitoring, at Busworld Türkiye, along with updates to its ZF Bus Connect fleet management platform. ZF’s CV Tech Day also included a separate software-defined truck demonstration built around vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity for yard operations, part of the same pre-IAA event near Hanover.
ZF at IAA Transportation 2026
ZF will present its full slate of commercial vehicle technologies, including City Bus Assist, at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, running September 14–20, at Hall 21, Booth B42.
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