Emerging Technologies When Steering Isn't Steering Anymore by Bill Visnic High-level autonomy requires new thinking for even basic vehicle controls. Steer-by-wire technology eases some of the complexities automated driving presents-and offers desirable new possibilities. "By-wire" steering that eliminates the physical One of the most intriguing features by-wire steering may enable is what steering and driveline-systems specialist Nexteer recently detailed for Autonomous Vehicle Engineering: a system called Quiet Wheel. The technology effectively flips the script by causing the steering wheel to remain motionless as an automated vehicle maneuvers, eliminating the Nexteer connection between the steering wheel and the linkage that directs the front wheels isn't a new idea-Nissan's Infiniti brand fitted the first-ever production-vehicle steer-by-wire system for its Q50 in 2013-but it's acknowledged the technology will be vital if automated-driving capabilities are to expand into the mainstream. 14 March 2018 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING