Knorr-Bremse Begins Series Production Plans for Redundant GSBC Brake System for SAE Level 4 Commercial Vehicles

Knorr-Bremse AG has confirmed that series production of its redundant Global Scalable Brake Control (rGSBC) system for SAE Level 4 commercial vehicles will begin in 2027. The announcement marks another step in the company's strategy to support highly automated transportation with fail-operational vehicle systems. Designed for autonomous commercial vehicle applications, the rGSBC solution enhances operational safety while maintaining the original technical functionality and performance required for advanced driving systems.

Redundant GSBC Platform Designed for Level 4 Commercial Vehicles

The Global Scalable Brake Control platform combines multiple braking components into a single integrated architecture. This consolidated design helps reduce installation space, lower overall system weight, and decrease installation costs. The redundant rGSBC configuration introduces a completely independent secondary functional path capable of taking over vehicle deceleration if the primary system encounters a failure. The backup path maintains full ABS functionality while preserving driving stability through wheel-by-wheel brake pressure control.

Fail-Operational Braking Supports Autonomous Driving

The redundant braking system is engineered to function as a virtual driver during automated operation while allowing manual control whenever required. It also supports predefined fallback strategies that can range from executing minimum-risk maneuvers to completing the assigned mission depending on the operating scenario. These capabilities are intended to improve operational continuity for SAE Level 4 commercial vehicles while maintaining essential braking performance under fault conditions.

Complementary Redundant Steering Technologies

Beyond braking, Knorr-Bremse AG offers redundant Electric Power Steering (rEPS), enabling fail-active steering functionality, alongside its redundant electrohydraulic superimposed steering (rAHPS). These technologies form part of the company's broader redundant vehicle architecture developed for highly automated commercial vehicle applications, providing additional resilience for critical steering functions during autonomous operation.

ATLAS-L4 Research Supports Technology Validation

The company has validated important elements of these redundant vehicle architectures through participation in the ATLAS-L4 autonomous driving research project. Building on this work, it is implementing dedicated Level 4 projects with selected customers. Initial deployment opportunities are expected in hub-to-hub freight transportation, with additional commercial vehicle applications potentially expanding into other operational environments as autonomous mobility adoption increases.

Knorr-Bremse to Present Solutions at IAA Transportation 2026

Knorr-Bremse AG will exhibit the redundant rGSBC system together with other commercial vehicle technologies during IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, scheduled from September 15 to September 20. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the company's latest autonomous commercial vehicle technologies and its expanding portfolio of redundant safety systems.

Knorr-Bremse Autonomous Commercial Vehicle Technology Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Knorr-Bremse begin producing the redundant GSBC brake system?
The company plans to start series production of its redundant Global Scalable Brake Control (rGSBC) system for SAE Level 4 commercial vehicles in 2027. The solution is designed to provide fail-operational braking by introducing an independent backup functional path with full ABS capability and wheel-by-wheel brake pressure control. It supports automated driving, manual takeover when required, and predefined fallback strategies for improved operational safety.

What other autonomous vehicle technologies does Knorr-Bremse offer?
Alongside the redundant GSBC braking system, Knorr-Bremse offers redundant Electric Power Steering (rEPS) for fail-active steering and redundant electrohydraulic superimposed steering (rAHPS). These technologies have been validated through the ATLAS-L4 autonomous driving research project and are being implemented in selected Level 4 customer projects, with initial applications expected in hub-to-hub commercial transportation before expanding into additional operational scenarios.