Knorr-Bremse expands innovation pipeline for automated commercial vehicles

Knorr-Bremse is further expanding its innovation pipeline for the commercial vehicle industry and positioning itself as a central development partner for manufacturers (OEMs). At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, the company is presenting concrete answers to the most pressing market demands. The topics of zero emission, redundancy and automated driving, connectivity, and traffic safety are the absolute focus of the new developments.

Technological highlights in Hanover
The trade fair presence in Hall 12, Booth C21, is characterized by a sustainable booth concept using reusable containers, which reflects the company's deeply rooted EcoDesign approach. The focal point is the Center Display, which guides visitors through the complex world of solutions using real exhibits and digital applications, demonstrating how current requirements are translated into concrete technologies.

As an absolute trade fair novelty, Knorr-Bremse is presenting the cost-efficient, oil-free, and electrically driven Multi Tumble Piston (MTP) compressor. This eCompressor MTP is designed for an optimized life cycle as well as scalable use with and without an inverter, enabling highly efficient and low-noise compressed air supply for electrified commercial vehicles.

Another technological centerpiece is the redundant rGSBC braking system, scheduled for series production in 2027. Based on the proven GSBC platform, it ensures highly available braking functions even in the event of a severe fault. This makes it a key prerequisite for highly automated driving functions and mission-complete scenarios. Also nearing market launch is the Electric Power Steering (EPS). This fully electric steering system reduces energy consumption by up to 90 percent compared to conventional hydraulic solutions thanks to the intelligent power-on-demand principle.

"As a specialist for safety-critical systems, we accompany our customers on the path to zero emission, automated driving, and connected commercial vehicles. Our innovation approach is clearly focused: less complexity, more impact. What is needed are solutions with measurable added value that can be flexibly integrated into different vehicle architectures. The current performance of our Truck Division clearly shows that we are investing in the right topics," explained Bernd Spies, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division.

Digital transformation and CVS Service Platform
In addition to hardware innovations, Knorr-Bremse is looking ahead to future vehicle architectures and specifically contributing its system expertise to the development of Software Defined Vehicles. For the aftermarket and fleet operators, the company is driving digital transformation forward with the forward-looking CVS Service Platform. The platform bundles intelligent services such as Cojali's multi-brand diagnostics, the PleaseFix capacity management system, data-based workshop benchmarking, and, in the trailer sector, the cloud-based Online Configuration Tool (OCT), in order to noticeably increase the efficiency of all market participants.

Additional context: Technical specifications and competitive benchmarking
In the highly competitive market for commercial vehicle braking systems and advanced driver assistance solutions, Knorr-Bremse competes directly with heavyweights like ZF Friedrichshafen (following the integration of Wabco) and Bosch. The decisive technological advantage of the rGSBC (redundant Global Scalable Brake Control) architecture lies in its fail-operational design, which is absolutely essential for autonomous driving at SAE levels 4 and 5. In contrast to conventional systems that merely revert to a passive, safe state (fail-safe) in the event of a fault, the redundancy of rGSBC enables continued, controlled vehicle operation until the driving mission is safely completed.

Regarding the new eCompressor MTP, Knorr-Bremse clearly differentiates itself from competitors' conventional screw or piston compressors with its innovative, oil-free Multi Tumble Piston design. This construction completely eliminates the risk of oil transfer into the compressed air system. This significantly extends the service life of downstream pneumatic valves and components and drastically reduces operational maintenance costs (OpEx) for fleet operators. Furthermore, by completely dispensing with error-prone hydraulic circuits, the new fully electric EPS steering system is not only lower in maintenance but can also be seamlessly integrated into the high-voltage E/E architecture of modern battery-electric trucks (BEV). In doing so, Knorr-Bremse solidifies its position as a holistic system integrator for the next generation of purely electric and autonomous commercial vehicles.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.knorr-bremse.com