Klaus Deller, chairman of the executive board of Knorr-Bremse AG, describes the centre as “futuristic”, adding: “Its sophisticated technical infrastructure brings together engineers and technicians from both divisions – Rail Vehicle Systems and Commercial Vehicle Systems. Such a concentration of brake-related expertise generates synergies and increased added value for our customers.”
The building has five levels and houses 100 rigs and systems for technical testing and quality assurance, as well as workplaces for 350 engineers and technicians.
Deller says the new facility will develop “cutting-edge systems for tomorrows rail and commercial vehicles”, adding that its location is statement of the company’s belief in Bavaria as a technology hub.
In the CV division, a new generation of Knorr-Bremse brake control systems is being designed for driver assistance systems and automation of vehicle drive functions as a further step towards driverless vehicles.
Intelligent networking of the brake control systems with other subsystems such as the steering enables Knorr-Bremse to offer further automated functions such as active lane control (until now confined to cars) and also new truck-specific functions such as platooning or automated yard manoeuvring.