Brembo unveils new braking technology, eyes startup deals to facilitate new software

Italian high-performance brake makers, Brembo, launched a revolutionary new AI-powered braking system and will look into buying tech startups to increase their software profile for their new braking technology.

Italian high-performance brake supplier launches a revolutionary electronic braking system called Sensify, which could be the most significant advance for braking technology since the invention of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in the 1970s.

Brembo's new Sensify system comes with two electronic control units (ECU's). It combines traditional brakes with AI and an intelligent system that provides individual pressure on each wheel rather than per axle. The AI prevents lock-up, while anti-skid and traction-control systems can be incorporated to fully offer integrated suites of driver aids at little additional cost. However, the complexity of the new Sensify system makes retrofitting impossible.

According to Brembo's CEO, Daniele Schillaci, the brake manufacturers could buy tech startups to boost the software content of its premium brakes. The company will open its first high technology lab in California's Silicon Valley by the end of this year to accelerate its digitization strategy.

CEO Schillaci said mechanics were still principal contributors in the Sensify system, compared to the software content. He noted that the mechanics and software contents would soon be equivalent, and software would become predominant in braking systems by the end of the decade. Schillaci added that's why Brembo would be including tech companies among their eventual M&A targets, and they will not necessarily target large companies but also exciting startups.