ZF Friedrichshafen, a Germany-based global Auto Component Technology company, is planning to expand its network of cooperation and investments by acquiring 90 percent of the shares in Simi Reality Motion System. Simi’s 35 people strong team possesses decades of experience in image based 3D systems for the recording and analysis of human movement. ZF believes that this knowledge is highly valued in the development of occupant recognition and these systems are fundamental element for integrated safety for autonomous driving.

The development of new interior concept for autonomous driving includes the potential for new seating position to move or tilt the seat from its current position. With the addition of this feature, the driver can relax during the journey by handing over the driving responsibility either partially or fully to the vehicle.

Norbert Kagerer, head of Integrated Safety at ZF, states, “One key to the occupant safety of tomorrow is highly efficient systems for occupant recognition. This is precisely the area in which we would like to become stronger through our investment in Simi Reality Motion Systems, with a view to offering integrated safety systems from a single source.”

The investment in Simi will expand ZF’s existing competence in occupant safety systems such as seat belts, steering wheels, and airbags. Along with sensor systems for environment & interiors recognition and the corresponding software

Andreas Ruß, Founder & MD of Simi Reality Motion Systems GmbH, says, “In the last few decades we have made a name for ourselves as a supplier of first-class image-based 3D software for human movement and behavior analysis. Our current expertise is based on the experience we have gathered in areas such as high-performance sports and medicine. This investment by ZF will now enable us to contribute this knowledge more effectively in the automotive industry, and to benefit much more rapidly from growth opportunities.”

Incepted as early as 1915, ZF supplies systems for cars, commercial vehicles, and Industrial technology. The company offers integrated solutions for established vehicle manufactures, mobility providers and start-up companies in the field of transportation and mobility.