JTEKT has developed an automated steering control system, named Pairdriver, that realises safe driving by sharing the steering of the vehicle between driver and automation, in order to respond to the future expansion of the automated driving market.Pairdriver makes possible seamless and continuous steering collaboration between automation and driver through control technology while ensuring safe automated lane tracing.

Market status and demand for automated driving

Automated driving is classified in levels starting from « 0 » (no driving automation) to « 5 » (full driving automation The use case of mobility are diverse, such as logistics, personal use, and fun to drive. There is a demand for the development of automated driving technology that is suitable for each use case. Therefore, a versatile technology that is compatible to all types of application and all level s of automation is required.

Introduction of Pairdriver

It is a system that connects the « intention » of the driver to the automation through the electric steering system (EPS) interface. Based on information such as driver operation as well as road and traffic conditions (detected by the vehicle sensors), a steering reaction torque or vibrations is computed to inform the driver. Steering assistance based on this « intuitive communication between human and automation  » realises an unprecedented sense of trust, comfort and safety.
When the system detects a manual intervention during automated driving, it smoothly reflects the driver intention by steering the vehicle while synchronising the automation with that intention.
Advanced sensing and control technology enables seamless intervention and coexistence between automated and manual steering without the need to interrupt the automation.