Motion Control Solutions Drive the Future of Software-Defined Vehicles

Part 2 of 4: Nexteer’s focus on megatrend-to-portfolio alignment

As more vehicles are connected to the cloud, infrastructure and each other, software is becoming the driving force of change.  Software is changing how drivers interact with their vehicles (think navigation, infotainment, in-app maintenance reminders, etc.) AND changing how OEMs operate (think accelerated development and testing; product planning, supplier sourcing strategies and so much more).

According to the latest S&P Global Mobility analysis, more than 330 million vehicles in operation right now are connected and this number nearly doubles by 2030. As this shift continues, Deloitte expects software-defined vehicles (SDVs) to account for at least 90 percent of the new vehicle market by 2029.

Shifting Focus to Software

OEMs and suppliers are collaborating to develop new electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures and decouple software and hardware, enabling faster feature development and enhancing the vehicle ownership experience.

Software provides OEMs the freedom to make their vehicles standout by launching new software-enabled features, instead of solely updating hardware components… and waiting for mid-cycle enhancements or new product launches.

Keeping a vehicle “fresh” via software is even more important when you think about the growing trend of consumers holding onto their vehicles longer – up to 12.6 years in some markets with expectations to rise even more.  Compare this to the early 2000s, where consumers kept their vehicles for about 8 years and in the 2010s for about 11 years.

Throughout these shifts of technologies and trends – and differing preferences across markets, it’s important that OEMs and suppliers work together to develop and integrate software-based innovations. At Nexteer, our motion control solutions are software-centric and ready to support the transition to SDVs.

OEM & Supplier Collaboration: Innovation + Cost/Time Efficiencies = WIN WIN

The openness to industry collaboration is at its highest as OEMs look to partner with suppliers – and even other automakers – to reduce cost, fill expertise gaps and bring their SDVs to market faster.

Software-based solutions enable greater standardization in vehicle hardware while achieving customization through software.  This approach can translate into significant cost savings for OEMs by reducing part numbers across platforms (as well as cost/time efficiencies in assembly time, parts inventory management, etc.)

As an example of using economies of scale to apply the latest software-enabled innovations, consider Nexteer’s Steer-by-Wire (SbW) technology.  In this SbW system, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and road wheels is replaced with a software-based connection.  Nexteer software enables OEMs to create custom, branded steering experiences to match drivers’ expectations for sports cars, pickup trucks and luxury vehicles all from the same base SbW system. When software-enabled SbW is adopted across a vehicle lineup, automakers could leverage a significant reduction in cost and complexity because they can use the SAME steering hardware across ALL vehicles –even between left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles – and focus on differentiating among the vehicles via software!

Nexteer’s Software-Centric Technology

Software creates new possibilities for systems that were previously purely hardware based. SDVs expand safety, vehicle health and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features. At Nexteer, our growing lineup of software-based motion control solutions includes:

• Dynamic Variable Steering Ratio: Allows OEMs to tailor the vehicles’ responsiveness through almost limitless steering tuning options – enhancing stability control, braking distance and maneuverability.
• High Availability Steering: Includes simultaneous, multi-path processing software that ensures the steering safety net is always on across all ADAS and autonomous driving levels.
• Steer-by-Brake: Software enabling e-brakes to steer while also controlling speed – providing yet another layer of safety backup without the cost and complexity of additional hardware.
• Quiet Wheel™ Steering: Keeps the steering wheel still during autonomous driving and/or Automatic Emergency Steering (AES) maneuvers for added safety and comfort.
• Stowable Steering Column: Retracts the steering wheel into the dashboard while parked or during autonomous driving, creating more space in the cabin.
• Virtual Sensors: Allows vehicles to “feel” the road through road condition data to increase safety and monitor tire condition to assist in vehicle health management and avoid costly repairs.
• Hands-Off Detection: Uses virtual sensors to detect when the driver’s hands are on or off the wheel while in autonomous driving mode.
• And more to come in our development pipeline!

As vehicles are increasingly defined by software, OEMs may not have the in-house bandwidth or system integration expertise to achieve requirements across safety, performance, timing and cost.  This is where partners with specialized expertise and agile development processes, like Nexteer, can help OEMs efficiently design, develop, test and seamlessly integrate software, hardware and overall motion control systems.

Consequently, motion control solutions are not just pivotal in realizing the potential of SDVs; they are the backbone of a new era in automotive technology. As connectivity continues to evolve, the benefits of collaborative efforts between OEMs and suppliers will ripple outwards, enhancing the driving experience for millions.

By prioritizing safety, performance, and reliability, we are not only shaping the future of mobility but also fostering a more connected and intelligent transportation ecosystem. Together, we can pave the way for innovations that transform the way we drive, ensuring that every journey is not only smarter but also safer, greener and more exciting.