In the age of electrification, where engine rumble no longer defines a car’s character, chassis dynamics take center stage. The cubiX Tuner builds on ZF’s existing cubiX software, which orchestrates actuators for brakes, steering, damping, and propulsion to deliver seamless vehicle control. Unlike traditional mechanical systems, modern chassis rely on thousands of software parameters to ensure safety, stability, and performance. The cubiX Tuner automates the calibration of these parameters, calculating interdependencies to adjust settings like steering angles or brake response with minimal effort. This allows engineers to achieve precise handling without delving into complex algorithms, making it easier to tailor a vehicle’s feel to a brand’s identity.
Intuitive Tools for OEMs
The cubiX Tuner offers two versions to suit different needs: a full PC-based version for comprehensive tuning and a Lite mobile app compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for on-the-go adjustments. Both versions feature cloud connectivity for data backup and an AI-driven optimization engine that operates offline. An intuitive interface generates a “tuning map” based on inputs, which is written directly to the ECU, allowing real-time updates during test drives. For instance, if a test reveals a need for sharper cornering, engineers can adjust the steering angle with a few clicks, and the software recalibrates related systems automatically. This flexibility is particularly valuable for platforms supporting multiple drive configurations, such as front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive.
Virtual Testing and Cross-Manufacturer Compatibility
One of the standout features of cubiX Tuner is its virtual simulation environment, enabling manufacturers to test calibrations before applying them to a physical vehicle. This eliminates the need for repeated track tests, saving time and resources while simplifying before-and-after comparisons. The software’s compatibility with actuators from various manufacturers, not just ZF’s, broadens its appeal, allowing automakers to integrate third-party components seamlessly. An Expert Mode further empowers engineers to dive into granular adjustments, ensuring precision for specialized applications like high-performance electric vehicles (EVs).
Accelerating Development for Software-Defined Vehicles
The rise of SDVs, where software dictates performance and user experience, demands tools that can keep pace with rapid innovation. The cubiX Tuner addresses this by reducing the complexity of calibrating thousands of parameters, a task Philippe Gasnier, head of ZF’s Chassis Solutions R&D, describes as “extremely complex.” By leveraging AI and data-driven methods, the software ensures vehicles reach application maturity faster, particularly for EVs sharing modular platforms like CATL’s skateboard chassis. Automakers can differentiate their models by embedding unique driving dynamics, even on shared architectures, fostering brand loyalty through tailored experiences.
Real-World Impact and Industry Adoption
ZF’s cubiX platform, already in use in vehicles like the Lotus Eletre electric SUV, demonstrates its real-world viability. The Tuner’s ability to calibrate chassis systems across diverse vehicle types enhances its value for both established OEMs and emerging automakers. For smaller manufacturers, the tool offers a cost-effective way to compete by customizing off-the-shelf platforms without extensive R&D. The software’s over-the-air update capability ensures vehicles remain adaptable, allowing manufacturers to refine dynamics or add features post-production, aligning with the trend toward flexible, software-driven automotive design.
Shaping the Future of Mobility
As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and autonomy, tools like cubiX Tuner are pivotal in defining how vehicles perform and feel. André Engelke, head of ZF’s Vehicle Motion Control System House, emphasizes that the software allows manufacturers to “adjust chassis parameters at the vehicle dynamics level without diving into the algorithmic level.” This democratization of tuning empowers automakers to create distinct driving experiences efficiently, from sporty responsiveness to smooth, comfortable rides. With its blend of intuitive design, AI-driven precision, and cross-platform compatibility, cubiX Tuner positions ZF as a leader in the software-defined future of mobility.
