ZF has unveiled its latest innovation in chassis technology with the world premiere of ZF Active Noise Reduction at CES 2026, offering a new perspective on how future software-defined vehicles will sound.
The purely software-based function significantly reduces in-vehicle tire noise at the source, without the need for additional noise-dampening hardware.
ZF Active Noise Reduction Uses Software to Minimise Tire Noise at the Source
In-vehicle tire noise is a persistent challenge, as vibrations travel from the tires through chassis components such as control arms and dampers into the vehicle interior.
With ZF Active Noise Reduction, the technology group introduces a software-driven solution that directly targets these vibrations within the chassis system.
The function relies on ZF’s Smart Chassis Sensor, which integrates an acceleration sensor to precisely measure vibrations transmitted from the tires.
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A specially developed algorithm analyzes the data to identify characteristic tire cavity noise patterns, typically around 200 hertz.
Based on this analysis, ZF’s cubiX software generates a counter-signal that is applied through the valves of semi-active CDC dampers, using micro-movements to reduce noise without compromising damper performance.
ZF Active Noise Reduction Sets New Standards in Comfort and Efficiency
According to ZF, the software-only approach enables noise reduction of more than 3 dB in its current form, a difference that is clearly perceptible to vehicle occupants.
Future development could enable reductions of up to 10 dB. As the function is implemented entirely through software, it requires no additional installation space or hardware costs.
Dr Peter Holdmann, Member of the ZF Board of Management and Head of Division Chassis Solutions, highlighted that ZF Active Noise Reduction demonstrates how intelligent algorithms can enhance the efficiency and performance of existing components.
The innovation also provides ZF’s semi-active CDC dampers with a distinct competitive advantage in the market.
ZF Active Noise Reduction Expands Access to Advanced Acoustic Comfort
The software-based nature of ZF Active Noise Reduction allows it to be adapted to different vehicle types and customer requirements.
This opens new opportunities for advanced acoustic comfort in mass-market and lower-priced vehicles, where high-end noise-cancellation systems using microphones or speakers have traditionally been limited to premium segments.
ZF currently supplies around 40 percent of all semi-active dampers worldwide, positioning the group as a market leader. With the ongoing shift toward automated driving, ZF expects demand for intelligent chassis solutions and software-defined comfort features to grow further.
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ZF Active Noise Reduction Aligned with Chassis 2.0 Strategy
Series production of ZF Active Noise Reduction is scheduled to begin in 2028. Beyond semi-active dampers, ZF plans to extend the software function to other mechatronic actuators, including potential applications for reducing brake squeal and integration into the fully active sMOTION damping system.
The new function is a core element of ZF’s Chassis 2.0 strategy, which focuses on intelligent, networked actuators and software-enabled chassis functions.
By combining brakes, steering, damping systems, scalable electronic architectures, and advanced software, Chassis 2.0 forms the foundation for the software-defined vehicle of the future.
