Nexteer and Continental Joint Venture CNXMotion Expands Brake-to-Steer Technology with New Software Functions

• Flexible, Cost-Efficient Software Functions Enhance Safety Redundancies for EPS & SbW Systems

GRAND BLANC, Mich., May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Further leveraging technology building blocks from its parent companies, Nexteer Automotive and Continental Automotive, CNXMotion expands its Brake-to-Steer (BtS) technology with two new software functions that provide backup safety layers for all variants of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Steer-by-Wire (SbW) systems and across all SAE levels of driving automation (levels 1 – 5).

CNXMotion's BtS technology portfolio includes:

• Driver Effort Support: SAE Levels 1-3 – NEW
• Steer-by-Wire Support: SAE Levels 1-5 – NEW
• Automated Driving Support: SAE Levels 4-5 (launched in 2020)

"These new Brake-to-Steer software functions further enable safety redundancies across all electric power steering applications and SAE driving levels without the cost and complexity of additional hardware," said Greg Katch, General Manager, CNXMotion. "Our advanced Brake-to-Steer technology can help ensure the safety net is always on through driver effort support and steer-by-wire support, as well as automated driving support."

Brake-to-Steer Driver Effort Support

EPS systems are designed with multiple protective layers to ensure the steering safety net is always on. When paired with a traditional EPS system, BtS Driver Effort Support adds another safety layer and can provide up to an additional 25% reduction in torque. While steering traditionally manages the lateral control of a vehicle, BtS enables the braking and powertrain systems to contribute to lateral control to reduce steering efforts when necessary.

Brake-to-Steer Steer-by-Wire Support

SbW replaces the mechanical steering connection between the hand wheel and road wheels with algorithms, electronics and actuators. In this type of steering system, the BtS SbW Support function adds another safety layer by translating the driver's steering inputs into brake system control of the vehicle's lateral motion.

Brake-to-Steer Automated Driving Support  

Launched in 2020, CNXMotion's original BtS function pioneered the use of electronic braking as an additional layer of steering control for traditional, highly automated and autonomous vehicles (SAE Levels 4–5). This BtS function earned an Automotive News PACEpilot Innovation to Watch in 2021.

"Brake-to-Steer's expanded software functions highlight how collaboration through our CNXMotion joint venture with Continental leads to innovation in motion control solutions and further enhances the steering safety net for all assisted and automated driving levels," said Robin Milavec, President, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Executive Board Director, Nexteer Automotive. "When combined with Nexteer's industry-leading, advanced steering systems like Steer-by-Wire or High Availability EPS, Brake-to-Steer provides OEMs with a cost-efficient, flexible way to add yet another layer of safety and redundancy."

Brake-to-Steer Benefits for Drivers & OEMs:

• Value: Leverages the vehicle's existing steering, braking and powertrain systems. The portable software functions can reside on an existing controller – eliminating the cost of any additional hardware.
• Flexibility: Provides an additional layer of vehicle safety and redundancy on all vehicles with EPS and SbW. The three BtS software functions cover all types of vehicles with or without a driver.
• Safety: Enhances safety through an additional layer of steering redundancy.

"As the industry progresses toward highly automated and autonomous vehicles, Brake-to-Steer's advanced functions allow for critical safety features across all levels, enabling increased safety for all road users," said Lutz Kuehnke, Head of Safety and Motion Business Area, Continental Automotive, North America.  "CNXMotion's Brake-to-steer technology offers a flexible and cost-effective way to achieve and to prioritize safety needs by leveraging existing systems in the vehicle, e.g. Continental's 1-box brake controls unit MKC1, and eliminating the need for additional components.

ABOUT CNXMOTION

CNXMotion was established as a joint venture between Continental and Nexteer Automotive in 2017 to innovate motion control solutions for advanced applications and accelerate R&D activities for the parent companies. CNXMotion employs about 30 people in its state-of-the-art facility located in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

CNXMotion focuses on R&D activities, including rapid evaluation, design and prototyping. Capitalizing on Continental and Nexteer's history of innovation and leadership in advanced braking and steering respectively, the joint venture combines global resources and expertise to deliver advanced motion control systems solutions for the challenges in a quickly evolving mobility landscape. www.cnxmotion.com

ABOUT CONTINENTAL

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary. www.continental.com

ABOUT NEXTEER

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) is the global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative product and technology portfolio includes electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts, driveline systems, eDrive and software solutions. The company solves motion control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification, software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for more than 60 customers around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China. www.nexteer.com 

Link to Brake-to-Steer Media Kit