Official: Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system

[Haltech]

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Infiniti, Nissan



With as far electric power assist steering (EPAS) has come in recent years, it was only a matter of time before an automaker came up with a fully electric steering system. Nissan has developed such a system that replaces the mechanical steering linkage of today's cars with a "wired" steering column that uses drivers inputs to steer the front wheels via electronic controllers, and this type of system could be found on Infiniti models within the next year.

This type of system could be found on Infiniti models within the next year.

As bad as the feedback is on some current EPAS cars, we're a little skeptical about how such a system would feel, but Nissan says that not only will feedback be more direct, it will also be adjustable. Nissan's independent control steering technology will allow drivers to choose between "Sport" and "Standard" modes depending on what type of roads and driving condition they face. An added benefit of this system is that the steering wheel will be completely isolated from the rest of the steering system to reduce road vibrations felt by the driver.

In the event of power loss, there is a clutch that can engage a backup mechanical link to allow the driver to control the front wheels.

This system also uses a camera to help keep the car driving in a straight line, meaning that drivers won't have to make constant small corrections, which Nissan says will reduce driver fatigue, and it can also auto correct in the event of crosswinds. As a safety precaution, Nissan's new steering system uses three redundant engine controllers to prevent any loss of steering, but in the event that the car loses total power, there is a clutch that can engage a backup mechanical link to allow the driver to control the front wheels.

Nissan is also working on an autonomous emergency steering system that seems to operate in the same vain as auto brake in some newer cars. If the car detects a possible collision, it will initially warn the driver with an audible tone and display. If this is ignored, it will then proceed to auto brake in an attempt to slow the car down. If a collision is still imminent, the car would then automatically swerve to avoid an accident. There are also sensors that can detect if a car is next to or coming head on with the vehicle to prevent an even worse collision.

Scroll down for Nissan's press releases on this new technology.Continue reading Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system

Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[dale_gribble]

It's gonna take a while for me to ever accept drive by wire brakes and steering. Those are the last two critical safety paths that I can't see replacing with electronics...

At least it has a mechanical failsafe I guess. One more step to a fully automatic car.

[anavrinIV]

one more amenity to take the focus of driving away from actual driving. wonderful.