Rear axle steering from Schaeffler and Bosch

Rear axle steering from Schaeffler and Bosch

The aim of the collaboration is to offer customers a complete package for rear axle steering systems. Schaeffler supplies the mechatronic rear axle steering (iRWS), while Bosch Automotive Steering provides the software and electronics in the form of a steering control unit. “For Schaeffler, intelligent rear-axle steering is an important milestone on the way to becoming the preferred technology partner in the area of ​​chassis systems,” says Matthias Zink, Board Member for Automotive OEM at Schaeffler. The mechatronic rear-axle steering increases driving comfort and safety by, among other things, reducing the turning circle and thus increasing maneuverability. In addition, the supportive steering movements of the rear axle improve handling while driving, which also benefits vehicle stability and driving comfort. Schaeffler's rear-axle steering is characterized by its low system weight of up to eight kilograms, which is made possible by the targeted use of lightweight construction technologies. The core element of the system is a planetary screw drive. This ensures what is known as “self-locking behavior” and thus ensures that the rear axle steering does not change without the driver’s control command. The acoustically optimized design is particularly effective when used in quiet electric vehicles. Bosch contributes the so-called Steering Control Unit to the system, which combines the control unit, electric motor and software in one component. Thanks to the Bosch security concept, the steering is also protected against cyber attacks.