The leaps in technological development due to digitization - both those that have been made and the even greater number still to come - will have surprised even the boldest of visionaries. And that’s not going to change any time soon. Inspired by the revolution in industrial technology, ZF Friedrichshafen AG is in turn driving the switchover to intelligent mechanics and already offers innovations and digitized solutions for the industry of tomorrow. "Networking intelligent and self-learning systems helps us reach a whole new dimension," says Wilhelm Rehm, Member of the Board of Management of ZF responsible for the Industrial Technology division. "The transformation from pure mechanics to intelligent mechanical systems that can capture, analyze and then adapt to situations is summed up neatly in three words: 'See - Think - Act'." During HANNOVER MESSE 2017, the southern German technology group will be demonstrating precisely that with its "Innovation Tractor".

Thanks to sensors and actuators from ZF, the "Innovation Tractor" can be controlled from a tablet. However, it also independently identifies a trailer and - at the touch of a button - maneuvers itself into the ideal position for coupling. Another focal point at the ZF stand is the ZF ProAI, which it has developed as part of its collaboration with Nvidia. This electronic control unit is based on a supercomputing platform and is set to make artificial intelligence available to the mobility and industrial sector. But there’s more! Besides predictive maintenance scenarios for wind farms and cableway businesses, ZF is also exhibiting the Car eWallet, which is based on blockchain technology and can enable cars to pay highway tolls and parking fees autonomously. Finally, ZF will be showcasing its Smart Gearbox for rail vehicles at the VDMA pavilion.