Nissan’s Independent Control Steering Technology

Excerpt

For several years now, manufacturers have been in the forefront of developing automotive technologies that leads to the eventual replacement of traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems. Steering systems is one such area that has continued to see major innovations. The steer-by-wire technology aims to completely do away with mechanical components, including the steering shaft, column, and the gear reduction mechanism, for instance. Nissan Motor Company is one manufacturer that has transferred a concept long used for throttle applications — drive-by-wire — to the steering controls. The company has replaced the steering column with software and motors to create a fully electrical system. In addition to an enhanced driving experience, Nissan sees the technology improving safety. While many have questioned the viability and road-worthiness of such systems, this is likely to be a big step towards a fully autonomous vehicle [1] in the future. …