These systems are typically referred to as electronic throttle control,brake-by-wire, andsteer-by-wire.
Vehicles with computerized fuel controls have used throttle sensors for decades.
Instead, the gas pedal sends a signal that causes an electromechanical actuator to launch the throttle.
Traditional hydraulic brakes make use of a master cylinder, as well as several slave cylinders.
When the driver pushes on the brake pedal, it applies physical pressure to the master cylinder.
In most cases, that pressure is amplified by a vacuum or hydraulic brake booster.
The pressure is then transmitted via brake lines to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders.
This is accomplished by an electronic actuator that activates the existing hydraulic brakes.
In vehicles that use electro-hydraulic brake-by-wire technology, the calipers located in each wheel are still hydraulically activated.
Instead, pushing on the brake pedal activates a series of sensors.
In electromechanical brake systems, there is no hydraulic component.
Instead, electromechanical actuators activate the brakes located in each wheel.
When the steering wheel is rotated, the rack-and-pinion unit or steering box also turns.
Steer-by-wire systems don’t technically need to use steering wheels at all.
What Vehicles Already Have Drive-By-Wire Technology?
Electronic throttle control is more prevalent, and a variety of makes and models make use of the technology.
Brake-by-wire can also be found in production models.
Two examples of the technology are Toyota’s Electronic Controlled Brake and Mercedes Benz’s Sensotronic.
Exploring the Future of Drive-by-Wire
Safety concerns have slowed the adoption of drive-by-wire technologies.
Drive-by-wire systems are also more expensive than mechanical controls due to the fact that they are significantly more complex.
However, the future of drive-by-wire technology could lead to a number of interesting developments.
During those interim 10 seconds, listen for the sound of your throttle valve moving.
