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

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 ( 
https://www.nexteer.com/release/nexteer-and-continental-joint-venture-cnxmotion-develops-brake-to-steer-technology/), 
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 
(https://nexteer.canto.com/v/HHIRQT4PC7/album/U0O0V?viewIndex=0)

Source: Nexteer