Computing firm Xilinx has partnered with ZF Friedrichshafen to jointly power automated driving.

Under the agreement, Xilinx technology will power ZF’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) based automotive control unit, known as ZF ProAI, so that it can be used in driverless vehicle applications.

ZF is making use of the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC platform to manage real-time data aggregation, pre-processing, and distribution. It will also enable compute acceleration for AI processing in its new electronic control unit.

The adaptable, intelligent platform delivers the necessary processing power scalability and flexibility for the ZF ProAI platform to be customised for individual customer requirements.

“Our aim is to provide the widest possible range of functions in the field of autonomous driving.”

ZF Advanced Engineering head Torsten Gollewski said: “The unique selling proposition of the ZF ProAI is its modular hardware concept and open software architecture. Our aim is to provide the widest possible range of functions in the field of autonomous driving.”

Xilinx core vertical markets vice-president Yousef Khalilollahi said: “By providing an adaptable hardware platform, ZF can design flexible and scalable systems that seamlessly incorporate AI compute acceleration and functional safety (FuSa) through diversity in processing engines.

“We look forward to expanding our collaboration with ZF to take autonomous and AI innovation to the next level.”

ZF offers driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology. The company achieved sales of €36.4bn last year from operations in at least 40 countries.