FYI - Some people don't like this idea because they are worried it might break and they would no longer be able to steer the vehicle...
But note automobile manufacturers are quite capable of designing *very* well made fault tolerant devices for cars which are "aircraft quality" (if you have ever seen old aircraft parts at a surplus store).
Examples of those things in cars are brake systems (anti-lock brake systems) and air bag systems. Contrast those with non-safety related things in a car (which are cheaply made) like an electric side view mirror mechanism or electric window switches.
It is good to see they left good ol mechanical steering as a backup. I have a hard time adapting to new technology like this. It's kind of scary to put your life in the hands of this stuff when you really don't have to. Then there's the fact we don't even have a choice since other people will be driving them you'll be around them no matter what.
I really have to wonder if just because something can be done means that it should become a new standard solution.
It is not just the steering wheel, computers seem to be trying to get rid of the keyboard and replace it with a touchscreen. There are just a lot of mechanical systems that are ruggedly reliable because they are mechanical... whereas an electronic analogue may be more fragile.
It SEEMS that the real story is that this will lead to driverless control, and not that 'steer by wire' is a huge improvement.
With any luck, I won't be on the freeways when driverless control takes over. It just feels so undignified.
erco
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But note automobile manufacturers are quite capable of designing *very* well made fault tolerant devices for cars which are "aircraft quality" (if you have ever seen old aircraft parts at a surplus store).
Examples of those things in cars are brake systems (anti-lock brake systems) and air bag systems. Contrast those with non-safety related things in a car (which are cheaply made) like an electric side view mirror mechanism or electric window switches.
Mercedes Benz in 2011 ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWTJLplgP80
Enjoy!
Mike
It is not just the steering wheel, computers seem to be trying to get rid of the keyboard and replace it with a touchscreen. There are just a lot of mechanical systems that are ruggedly reliable because they are mechanical... whereas an electronic analogue may be more fragile.
It SEEMS that the real story is that this will lead to driverless control, and not that 'steer by wire' is a huge improvement.
With any luck, I won't be on the freeways when driverless control takes over. It just feels so undignified.