At this Frankfurt International Auto Show, Schaeffler will show the third-generation wire-by-wire technology and an upgraded version of Schaeffler Mover for autonomous driving and sustainable urban transportation.
In the future, urban transportation faces huge challenges: people's travel needs are increasing, roads are becoming more and more congested, and limited urban space needs to be used reasonably. Achieving sustainable transportation must not only address traffic congestion, but also reduce air pollution. At this Frankfurt International Auto Show, Schaeffler will show the third-generation wire-by-wire technology and an upgraded version of Schaeffler Mover for autonomous driving and sustainable urban transportation.
Prepare for development with the goal of mass production
In the future, autonomous vehicles will have no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering. Schaeffler has been actively committed to promoting the development of autonomous driving technology for many years, providing products with mass production conditions to the market. Schaeffler's wire-by-wire technology is the key technology to realize future autonomous driving and intelligent connected cars. At present, the company is actively preparing for the development of mass production. Schaeffler's wire-by-wire technology is the world's leading wire-by-wire technology. It adopts a triple redundant design to control the vehicle's steering, acceleration and braking systems, and can be used in various autonomous driving scenarios.
Dr. Dirk Kesselgruber, head of the Chassis System Business Unit of the Schaeffler Group, said: "By-by-wire and wire-by-steering will be essential technologies for future autonomous vehicles." The main application areas of this technology are focused on people movers and other autonomous vehicles. Schaeffler Palawan now plans to bring the technology to the fast-growing industrial, agricultural and leisure markets. Schaeffler remote control technology eliminates the steering wheel, saves space in the car, and improves the comfort of the car when used on campers and weeders. In addition, the technology also has a remote control function, which can be used for mining, ski slope maintenance, Rescue and fire fighting special vehicles on high-risk occasions to improve safety. Schaeffler Palawan expects the technology to reach mass production in 2021.
In addition, Schaeffler recently signed a framework cooperation agreement with the Hunan government. Through cooperation, Schaeffler plans to set up a wholly-owned company in Xiangjiang New District, Hunan, to introduce its wire control technology into the new zone, and to set up a second research and development center in Greater China.
The world's first remote control technology licensed for road use
Schaeffler wire-by-wire technology is a perfectly coordinated software and hardware system that uses innovative safety concepts. In addition to wire-by-wire driving and wire-by-wire braking, this wire-by-wire technology can also achieve wire-by-wire steering, allowing vehicles to steer safely and reliably using only electronic signals. Schaeffler's remote control technology is the world's first certified remote control system to be used on the road, and in order to ensure the functional safety and reliability of the system, a highly redundant design of the remote control system is by far the only such system.
Matthias Zink, Chief Executive Officer of the Schaeffler Group Automotive Engine Division, said: "The triple redundant design and road use permits are key to achieving autonomous driving." In addition, all system components are strictly compliant. ECE regulations. The electronic control unit (ECU) meets the requirements of ISO 26262 ASIL D functional safety standards. The third-generation remote control system on display this time uses higher-performance motor and electronic systems, as well as the latest interface. In addition, the cost of the system has been greatly reduced, and the electronic system is protected against external interference.
Schaeffler Mover: vehicles for future mobility needs
Schaeffler Mover, the future travel vehicle equipped with Schaeffler-by-wire technology, has been awarded the German Future Travel Award 2019 by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. Schaeffler Mover is an open vehicle platform that supports multiple vehicle concepts. It is highly flexible and environmentally friendly, fully demonstrating Schaeffler's innovative technologies for future drive and chassis applications. This model uses an innovative driving chassis that integrates all parts and systems that enable driving functions, including drive, battery, brakes and steering. Schaeffler Mover can flexibly match different body types, so as to realize a variety of vehicle concepts, such as robotic taxis and autonomous driving logistics vehicles, etc., providing an ideal solution for urban transportation.
Schaeffler Palawan further developed the remote control technology to improve the remote control function of Schaeffler Mover. The system connects the automatic steering and four intelligent steering drive modules in handling. At the heart of the Schaeffler Mover vehicle platform, the Schaeffler Intelligent Steering Drive Module is a highly integrated wheel suspension unit that integrates all drive and chassis components, including in-wheel motors, into a compact module. Each wheel can realize 90-degree steering, which greatly improves the maneuverability of the vehicle in a narrow space. It can also easily achieve parallel parking and even turn in place.
Schaeffler Palawan attaches great importance to the functional safety of the system in product development, which is mainly reflected in the high degree of redundancy. When a module fails, the vehicle will choose other modules to ensure that the entire vehicle runs and steers normally. Schaeffler validates systems and components with this model to prepare for future mass production. "With Schaeffler Mover, we show our customers Schaeffler's goal to be an innovation partner for mechatronic chassis systems," said Madis Zink.
Visitors to the Frankfurt International Auto Show can experience the Schaeffler Mover in person in a test drive in the outdoor area.