Nexteer and Continental, JV develops brake-to-steer technology

Nexteer Automotive and Continental joint venture- CNXMotion announces Brake-to-Steer (BtS) – a technology that provides driver safety through an additional layer of directional control for highly automated and autonomous vehicles.

In highly automated vehicle applications, steering systems feature multiple protective layers to ensure the steering safety net is always on. In addition, BtS adds yet another layer by using the electronic brake system to safely steer the vehicle while simultaneously controlling its speed. In a fully autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel present, BtS will negotiate a commanded path until a safe pull-over can be achieved.

CNXMotion’s BtS technology offers a cost-effective way for automakers to achieve safety needs by leveraging the vehicle’s existing braking and steering systems.

How Brake-to-Steer Works

The BtS function resides in the Motion Control System (MCS), which acts as an intermediary between the vehicle’s path planner (the automated driving system) and the actuators (steering, brakes and powertrain) to determine the best path forward.

Integrated with a Performance Manager, the vehicle’s intended path is compared to the system’s ability to steer the vehicle via BtS, while constantly negotiating the safest route ahead.

In the event that BtS needs to engage, BtS reacts in one of three ways:

1. Continues on the intended path before ultimately moving to the first or second option,
2. Performs a minimum risk maneuver, such as slowing and braking to steer the vehicle to the side of the road, or
3. Stops in the lane.

Originally developed for steering redundancy in Level 4+ autonomy, the feature can be adapted to assist a driver in multiple scenarios for lower levels (Lane Keep, Obstacle Avoidance, etc.) while a driver is still present, following the intentions provided from the driver’s steering input.