Steer-by-Wire and Active Chassis Systems

Schaeffler AG will introduce new chassis and body technologies for electrified and automated vehicles during the 13th Schaeffler Automotive Symposium in June 2026 in Bühl, Germany. The developments include steer-by-wire systems, active damping technologies, braking systems, sensor fusion applications, and vehicle access technologies designed for autonomous and software-defined vehicle platforms.

Software-defined vehicle architecture and sensor fusion
Increasing electrification, automation, and software integration are changing vehicle architecture requirements across passenger and commercial mobility platforms. Vehicle manufacturers are integrating larger numbers of sensors, electronic control units, and software-defined functions to support advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving capabilities.

Schaeffler’s new chassis and body portfolio is based on integrated mechatronic systems combining electric motors, software, transmission technologies, and sensor technologies developed in-house. The systems use sensor fusion methods that combine and process data from multiple vehicle sensors simultaneously to support vehicle dynamics control and automated driving functions.

According to the company, sensor fusion technologies are used for functions including active damping adjustment, acceleration and braking control, lateral vehicle guidance, and vehicle interior monitoring systems. The systems are designed to process environmental and operational data collectively to improve response accuracy in changing driving conditions.

Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis at Schaeffler AG, said: “For highly interconnected vehicle architectures to serve the mobility of the future, Schaeffler is already offering high-precision, reliable solutions thanks to its comprehensive and well-established sensor portfolio. Our innovations enable precise control of acceleration, deceleration, and lateral guidance while maximizing comfort and convenience for vehicle occupants. They also support automated functions and monitoring systems for the vehicle interior and access.”

Rear-wheel steering and steer-by-wire systems
Within the chassis technology segment, Schaeffler will present electrical rear-wheel steering systems and steer-by-wire technologies equipped with force-feedback actuators. The systems are intended to support maneuverability, directional stability, and compatibility with autonomous driving platforms.

Steer-by-wire systems replace the mechanical steering connection with electronic control systems and actuators. Force-feedback actuators are used to reproduce steering feedback signals for the driver while enabling integration with advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicle control software.

The company will also introduce new human-machine interface technologies intended for future vehicle cockpit architectures.

Adaptive damping and low-friction wheel bearings
Schaeffler’s semi-active and active damping systems continuously adjust damping characteristics according to road surface conditions and vehicle behavior. The systems are designed to improve ride stability and vehicle dynamics through real-time suspension adaptation.

The damping technologies are combined with low-friction wheel bearing systems intended to reduce rolling resistance and improve energy efficiency in electrified vehicle platforms. Reduced mechanical friction contributes to lower energy consumption and can support extended driving range in battery-electric vehicles.

Integrated braking and sensor cleaning technologies
The company will also present newly developed braking systems designed to reduce particulate emissions and extend maintenance intervals. Brake particulate reduction is becoming increasingly important under evolving non-exhaust emissions regulations, including Euro 7 requirements for brake dust emissions.

Additional technologies include keyless vehicle entry systems and automated access technologies integrating digital security functions. Schaeffler will also showcase sensor cleaning systems designed for autonomous vehicle platforms, where camera, radar, and lidar sensor reliability depends on maintaining clean sensor surfaces under varying environmental conditions.

Vehicle dynamics technologies at the Schaeffler Automotive Symposium 2026
The Chassis & Body technology cluster is one of four thematic areas presented during the Schaeffler Automotive Symposium 2026 in Bühl, Germany. The event focuses on technologies supporting electrification, automated driving, vehicle efficiency, and software-defined mobility platforms.

Additional Context: This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement
Steer-by-wire systems are becoming a major development area for software-defined vehicle platforms. Comparable technologies are under development or production by suppliers including ZF, Bosch, and Nissan. These systems are designed to eliminate mechanical steering columns and enable greater flexibility for autonomous vehicle interior design and centralized electronic vehicle control architectures.

Active damping technologies compete with adaptive suspension systems such as ZF sMOTION and electronically controlled suspension platforms from Continental. These systems use predictive sensor inputs and electronic control algorithms to adjust damping force in real time according to driving conditions.

Brake particulate reduction technologies are also receiving increased industry attention following the introduction of Euro 7 non-exhaust emissions requirements. Integrated electronic braking systems combining regenerative braking and friction braking are increasingly used in electric vehicle platforms to reduce brake wear and improve energy recovery efficiency.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.schaeffler.com