Global automotive technology corporation ZF has announced a breakthrough in vehicle acoustics with its new Active Noise Reduction function, set to debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. The innovation addresses a persistent challenge in vehicle comfort: tire cavity noise that penetrates the cabin through chassis components.
The software-based solution leverages existing hardware to achieve noise reduction without requiring additional dampening materials or acoustic equipment. By utilizing ZF’s Smart Chassis Sensor equipped with an integrated acceleration sensor, the system continuously monitors vibrations transmitted from tires through chassis elements including control arms and dampers.
A proprietary algorithm analyzes the vibration data to identify characteristic patterns of tire cavity noise, which typically occurs around 200 hertz. Once detected, the system generates counter-signals delivered through the valves of semi-active Continuous Damping Control (CDC) dampers via ZF’s cubiX software platform. These micro-movements specifically target noise interference while preserving the damper’s primary suspension functions.
Dr. Peter Holdmann, member of the ZF Board of Management and head of Division Chassis Solutions, emphasized the technology’s market implications. The software-driven approach provides semi-active CDC dampers with a competitive advantage while establishing new comfort benchmarks without additional hardware costs or space requirements.
Current performance metrics indicate noise reductions exceeding 3 decibels, a difference readily perceptible to vehicle occupants. Future iterations could potentially achieve reductions of up to 10 decibels. The software-configurable nature allows customization for various vehicle types and customer specifications.
The technology opens new market opportunities, particularly in mid-range and economy vehicle segments where premium acoustic solutions featuring microphones or speakers have traditionally been cost-prohibitive. ZF currently supplies approximately 40 percent of semi-active dampers globally, positioning the company as the market leader in this category.
With autonomous driving trends expected to increase demand for enhanced cabin comfort, ZF anticipates growth in semi-active damper sales. The company projects series production of Active Noise Reduction to commence in 2028.
The innovation represents one component of ZF’s broader Chassis 2.0 product strategy, which integrates intelligent, networkable actuators to enable software-defined chassis functions. Future applications may extend to other ZF actuators, including active brake squeal reduction and the fully active sMOTION damping system.
Holdmann outlined the company’s vision for mechatronic actuators capable of reducing both internal and external noise through software control, reinforcing ZF’s commitment to software-defined vehicle architecture.
The announcement underscores the automotive industry’s continued evolution toward software-centric solutions that enhance vehicle performance and comfort while optimizing cost efficiency and resource utilization.
ZF, which generated sales of €41.4 billion in 2024 with approximately 161,600 employees worldwide, operates 161 production facilities across 30 countries, serving automotive manufacturers, mobility providers, and emerging transportation sector companies.