Nexteer Automotive has expanded its automated driving portfolio with two new steering technologies: Steering on Demand and Quiet Wheel Steering.
Steering on Demand is intended to enable the transition between driver and automated driving control through safe, intuitive steering transitions for vehicles capable of SAE Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 automated driving. The system also enables the driver to tailor their driving experience through various driving performance options including sport, comfort and manual override modes.
Quiet Wheel Steering modifies the steering wheel rotation when a vehicle completes an automated directional change. Because the steering wheel remains still during automated driving, the potential hazards of a fast rotating steering wheel are eliminated and the driver’s safety and sense of security are enhanced. Vehicles equipped with Quiet Wheel Steering may also be fitted with a “stowable” column that automatically retracts into the dashboard when automated driving is engaged, increasing the space available for driver comfort and other activities.
“The pace of re-defining mobility has increased exponentially. Consequently, we’re innovating in not just what we do, but how we do it,” said Frank Lubischer, senior vice president of global engineering, chief technology officer and chief strategy officer, Nexteer Automotive.
“The traditional automotive development methods have been quite sequential and linear, typically taking an idea to production readiness over several years, whereas a disruptive, parallel method of rapid prototyping and user tests moves much faster. At Nexteer, we’ve blended these two methods into our version of an iterative, rapid prototyping and design approach. This lets us quickly develop, prototype, improve and then move an idea on to the next stage of industrialisation,” added Lubischer.
Both of the steering systems utilise Nexteer’s steer-by-wire technology. While steer-by-wire does not require a mechanical link between the road wheels and steering wheel, Nexteer says it can tune the system for a premium steering feel and responsiveness. Reliable system performance is also enhanced through system integration of sensors and mechanical technologies.
