Coming Soon: Brake-By-Wire Systems By ZF, Brembo

Advanced brake-by-wire systems from OEMs like ZF, Brembo, as well as Bosch, are set for widespread adoption in cars soon.

Leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM) ZF Friedrichshafen and Brembo are set to introduce brake-by-wire systems in cars very soon.

This tech sees traditional hydraulic brakes replaced with electronic components, promising improved safety, faster response times, and reduced maintenance. The first to hit the market this year is the Brembo Sensify system, though the company has not disclosed its first customer.

ZF EMB (Electro-Mechanical Braking) is slated to debut in 2028 where it will be primed in up to 5 million vehicles including 700,000 heavy-duty pick-up trucks.

Next comes ZF and its Electro-Mechanical Braking (EMB) system, which is slated to debut in 2028 instead. Additionally, the company has reportedly secured an initial contract to equip up to 5 million vehicles, including 700,000 heavy-duty pick-up trucks, whit this tech.

For the uninitiated, traditional brake systems use hydraulic fluid to transfer force from the brake pedal to the wheels. Brake-by-wire replaces this with electronic signals, allowing precise control over the braking force.

The ZF EMB system combines both a hydraulic front brakes with electronic rear brakes to attain a balance in both cost and performance.

By using sensors to measure pedal input and road conditions, data is then sent to a central computer, which then adjusts braking pressure at each wheel. In turn, the system improves stopping distances and vehicle stability, especially in emergency situations.

Moreover, unlike conventional antilock brakes (ABS), which cause a pulsating sensation in the pedal when activated, brake-by-wire systems apply pressure smoothly.

The Brembo Sensify system will enter the market first sometime this year through an unnamed automaker.

Of course, the systems made by Brembo and ZF detailed, as well as another similar system in development by Bosch, each feature a unique approach. For instance, Brembo’s Sensify employs electronics calipers on all four wheels, thus making this arguably adept for electric vehicles (EVs).

ZF’s EMB system instead combines hydraulic front brakes with electronic rear brakes, thus balancing both cost and efficiency. As for Bosch, it retains its hydraulic calipers, but uses electronic actuation on the master cylinder instead.

Despite the differences, benefits such as quicker responses with enhanced weight transfer management, reduced maintenance, and improved fuel efficiency, are all poised to drive the widespread adoption of brake-by-wire systems.

Despite these differences, all share several common benefits, namely quicker braking response with enhanced weight transfer management, reduced maintenance as brake fluid flushes are negated, improved fuel efficiency by eliminating residual brake drag, and simplified vehicle manufacturing.

However, early versions of these brake-by-wire systems that are coming to market soon may cost more than existing traditional hydraulic systems. Also a consideration is the added weight stemming form the electronic components used.

Nevertheless, promises of long-term benefits across both safety and cost provided by systems as such is poised to drive their widespread adoption.