The brake system is no longer just a safety component, but a critical part of a complex, integrated and intelligent vehicle system, writes Michael Nash
If it’s June, it’s EuroBrake, and this year it was the turn of the historic city of Mainz in Germany to once again welcome over 1,100 brake system stakeholders for EuroBrake 2026.
A thriving community of engineers, technical specialists, thought leaders, and researchers gathered on the banks of the River Rhine for a packed three-day programme of keynotes, panel discussions, and technical presentations that delved into the latest innovations and challenges in brake and friction technology.
Disruption through product evolution and trend influence were at the heart of the discussions at the 14th edition of EuroBrake. Electrification, automation, connectivity and sustainability are reshaping the way vehicles are being designed and used, and the brake is no longer just a safety component but must be considered as part of a complex, integrated and intelligent system.
With an eye on the next generation of brake system engineers, EuroBrake also offers students a unique chance to hear from and connect with potential employers
This system has become increasingly digitalised, and therefore, the influence of software on braking components has grown. AI is pushing this one step further. Leveraging data from in-vehicle sensors enables smarter control and braking functionality, enhancing driving performance and providing customers with refined support capability. AI has also become an integral tool for engineers in the development and optimisation of systems, making the process faster and more efficient.
On the subject of efficiency, the EuroBrake OEM Panel rifled through a selection of topics, touching on some of the key challenges facing the wider automotive industry. Experts from BMW, Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, Audi and NIO all agreed that the industry is on the cusp of huge change with the implementation of brake-by-wire, opening up new possibilities for enhanced stability control and vehicle performance as well as promising avenues for platform design. Regenerative braking and weight reduction through system consolidation will benefit battery EVs, while brand identification through customisable pedal feedback could allow OEMs to connect with customers in a completely new way.
Experts from BMW, Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, Audi and NIO all agreed that the industry is on the cusp of huge change with the implementation of brake-by-wire
Yet, the promise of innovation and the next generation of braking technology does not reduce the importance of optimising and improving existing friction solutions. Material developments and process refinement are consistently resulting in new disc, pad, and rotor designs. Suppliers are identifying new ways of tackling old issues such as wear, corrosion, thermal stress, and inertia, while the introduction of recycled content is no longer having a detrimental impact on performance or durability.
Reducing particulate matter (PM) emissions also remains a critical aspect of brake and friction technology development, particularly in the commercial vehicle (CV) and rail sectors. A comprehensive mix of simulation and real-world field trials shows significant potential for emissions reduction, with several speakers presenting detailed reports on their findings and offering a unique glimpse into their testing processes.
For rail, addressing the impact of high speeds and extreme conditions on friction components is a primary concern, while coping with the change of driving profiles, from urban to highway, poses challenges for brake systems used in the heavy-duty vehicle segment. And although each use-case has its own specifics, the fundamental principles are similar across rail, CV, motorcycle, and passenger car brakes.
Electrification, automation, connectivity and sustainability are reshaping the way vehicles are being designed and used, and the brake is no longer just a safety component but must be considered as part of a complex, integrated and intelligent system
Outside of the auditoriums and presentations, the bustle of the halls and exhibitor stands made it evidently clear that EuroBrake remains a vital networking event for the global braking and friction technology community, giving peers a chance to meet in person, network, and share opinions and ideas.
With a keen eye on the next generation of brake system engineers, EuroBrake also offers students a unique chance to hear from and connect with potential employers. When these budding engineers enter the workforce, they’ll be joining the industry during a period of unparalleled disruption – and with disruption comes opportunity.
About the author
Michael Nash is an independent automotive industry writer and FISITA contributor