Steering Systems for Autonomous Trucks

At #IAA22, Autonomous Trucks will be in focus, so let's take a minute to focus on the steering systems for autonomous commercial vehicles. Spoiler alert, this is a field where Cascade Drives TruEPS ByWire excels.

TruEPS ByWire achieves the same functions as a hydraulic system, while safety is enhanced, energy consumption is lowered and potential hazards and maintenance needs with high-pressure hydraulic oil are eliminated!

Naturally, steering systems must adhere to the highest functional safety levels. Every potential point of failure introduced is a significant drawback. Because the force required for steering heavy vehicles rules out the type of electromechanical steering system you can find in your personal vehicles, the traditional way to get the necessary force for a commercial vehicle’s steering system is to apply a torque overlay on the steering wheel together with a conventional hydraulic steering system. Essentially you replace the driver's input through the steering wheel with a servo. This introduces several control architectures and fail-safe issues, requiring additional sensors to ensure fail-safe operation on all levels—the result – additional failure points and slow response.

By contrast, TruEPS ByWire is based on Cascade Drives’ proprietary actuator technology that provides a true electromechanical system. This minimizes failure points and provides flexible and precise control.

Reach out to us or visit Cascade Drives at IAA22 stand A41, hall 12 to learn about this new technology for driverless power steering – an oil-free, powerful platform for commercial vehicles, supporting the fossil-free transition for transportation.

Watch a demo of Cascade Drives TruEPS Assist and TruEPS ByWire electromechanical power steering for commercial vehicles as the rig is prepped for exhibition at IAA22