The electric power steering controls and assists with the support of an intelligent electric motor and the vehicle steering. The control unit calculates the optimal steering support and sends the information to the electric motor for assistance, depending on the steering signal from the torque sensor. The EPS variants cover all requirements for the passenger car classes and even light commercial vehicles. Based on the variant, the motor torque is transferred in various ways.
Integrating AI into EPS systems enhances safety, and adaptability across diverse driving conditions, providing additional precise control and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional hydraulic systems. Automakers are pressured to comply with strict vehicle pollution and fuel economy regulations imposed by authorities globally. To meet these standards, manufacturers invest in fuel-efficient technologies like electric power steering, which offer improved efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. According to Allied Market Research, this significantly contributes to the expansion of the electric power steering market.
Keeping lanes and avoiding accidents with the help of sensors
The regular mechanical parts are replaced or supported by electric motors and sensors, providing precise steering control. It also offers an ideal platform for AI integration, where sensors collect information. This includes data on torque, steering angle, speed, position, and driver’s input. The real-time data analysis from an AI algorithm to help optimize the steering input and make immediate adjustments. AI-driven EPS systems in applications emphasize safety, including keeping lanes and avoiding accidents. The algorithms let EPS systems speculate and adjust to probable hazards by analyzing steering angle, vehicle speed, road condition, and closeness to obstacles.
Kim, S. H., and Park, J. reflected in their research (AI-Powered Stability and Traction Control in EPS Systems, in 2023) that AI-enhanced EPS boosts vehicle stability and performance improvement, specifically in difficult conditions such as rain or snow. It revealed that EPS systems using AI algorithms adapt angle, torque, and steering input based on real-time data, preventing oversteer or understeer. These safety benefits are important in emergencies, where rapid and precise adjustments are required to maintain control. For instance, NSK, Ltd. and ThyssenKrupp AG have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a joint venture between NSK Steering and ThyssenKrupp Automotive in May 2022.
Detecting anomalies and predicting maintenance requirements
AI also plays a major role in predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring the health and performance of key components such as the electric motor, steering angle sensors, and torque sensors. AI-driven EPS systems enhance vehicle reliability and reduce downtime for repairs, thereby improving overall efficiency by identifying potential issues before they lead to system failure.
Predictive maintenance has become an important area of focus, where EPS systems equipped with AI can foresee potential component failures and recommend timely maintenance. Chen and He in 2022, explained that ML models observe sensor data to detect abnormal patterns, such as deviations in torque or irregularities in motor performance. This approach enabled proactive servicing, which minimizes the likelihood of sudden failures and extends component lifespans. AI-driven diagnostics also reduce repair costs and vehicle downtime by accurately diagnosing issues before they escalate. This predictive capability is important in commercial fleet management, where timely maintenance reduces operational disruptions. The integration of AI in EPS not only enhances safety but also adds economic value by reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the steering system.
Here Technologies collaborated with Bosch and Daimler Truck to boost predictive powertrain control
In January 2024, Here Technologies collaborated with Bosch and Daimler Truck AG to develop an advanced driver assistance system for commercial vehicles. The companies have developed ADAS technology to automatically determine the most energy-efficient driving style, helping vehicles move toward a more sustainable future. They integrated Daimler Truck’s Predictive Powertrain Control with Here’s ADAS Map and Bosch’s Electronic Horizon software. These tools combined created a system that takes road conditions and terrain into account, including topography, curvature, slope, intersections, traffic signs, speed limits, and driving rules.
To sum up, the integration of AI into electric power steering systems offers significant advancements in safety, adaptability, and predictive maintenance. By optimizing steering input, enhancing vehicle stability, and enabling proactive diagnostics, AI-driven EPS systems improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize downtime. This innovative approach is revolutionizing vehicle control, leading to safer, more efficient driving experiences.
𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Saranya Ganguly
