ZF and Qualcomm develop ADAS systems up to Level 3

This German-American collaboration’s joint ADAS solution aims to deliver “the next generation of vehicle intelligence” and address the growing demands of software-defined vehicles. Technically, it is based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride system-on-chips (SoCs) and ZF’s ProAI computer, and will be offered to automotive manufacturers as a complete package. As ZF emphasises, the partnership “brings together cutting-edge automotive electronics and real-time perception.”In terms of architecture, the ZF computer, combined with the Snapdragon Ride system, can be deployed as a domain, zonal, or central computer. The goal is to develop a robust, open architecture that enables seamless integration of third-party software functions while providing automotive manufacturers with the flexibility to tailor solutions to their specific requirements, according to ZF. Key components of the collaboration include:ZF ProAI: The ProAI family from ZF is a central computer suitable for all vehicle platforms, software applications, and end-to-end (E2E) architectures. Its highest configuration level is a multi-domain-capable variant with multiple performance boards and a computing power of over 1,500 TOPS.ZF ADAS Functions: ZF offers ADAS functions that include around 25 safety, comfort, and parking features. Vehicle manufacturers can select from this pool of functions for specific vehicle series.Snapdragon Ride Pilot: This system uses camera-based AI perception for object detection, lane and traffic sign recognition, parking assistance, driver monitoring, and real-time mapping. It is ready for hands-free driving on motorways, including automated lane changes and urban driving assistance.Qualcomm Integration Platform: The platform features a modular system architecture, supports dynamic allocation of computing resources, and facilitates interoperability between various electronic control units (ECUs) in the vehicle.A broad range of development tools enables automotive manufacturers and their development teams to rapidly prototype, validate, and adapt ADAS and infotainment functions.For Qualcomm, the collaboration is about strengthening its position in the automotive sector against strong competitors such as Nvidia. In October 2024, the company introduced its Snapdragon Elite Automotive Platform, featuring the fastest processors for automotive applications at the time. The ADAS partnership with ZF is intended to further consolidate Qualcomm’s market position. Anshuman Saxena, Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm’s ADAS & Robotics Unit, comments: “We are pleased to deepen our longstanding collaboration in advancing ADAS innovation with ZF. By combining our strengths in high-performance automotive computing, perception, and computer vision, we’re enabling automakers to deliver intelligent, safer, and more cost-effective driver assistance systems across their vehicle portfolios.”Dr. Christian Brenneke, Head of ZF’s Electronics & ADAS Division, stated: “We are proud to further expand our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies in the field of market-leading driver assistance systems for software-defined vehicles and new E/E architectures. The combination of ZF’s scalable, cross-domain ProAI computing platform with the Snapdragon Ride platform from Qualcomm Technologies offers our customers additional design options for ADAS and infotainment systems in vehicles.”However, this collaboration is unlikely to benefit ZF in the long term. In December, the supplier announced the sale of its ADAS business unit, including compute solutions, smart cameras, radar technology, and driver assistance software functions, to US-based in-cabin electronics specialist Harman International for €1.5 billion. The transaction, announced just before Christmas, is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. The collaboration with Qualcomm is the result of ongoing operations still under ZF’s management.With the final sale of the unit, approximately 3,750 ZF employees are expected to transfer to Harman in the course of the year. However, the electronics divisions for chassis technology and passive safety technology will remain within the group, as will activities in the field of driver assistance and autonomous driving for commercial vehicles. For ZF, the sale marks a significant step in the company’s realignment: In autumn 2025, management agreed with employee representatives on a package of extensive job cuts for the struggling Electrified Powertrain Technologies division, though the sale of ‘Division E’ was initially taken off the table. However, areas within the ADAS division are now being divested.press.zf.com