Chapter 8 Drive-by-Wire and Vehicle Control Systems

Drive-by-wire (DbW) technology is a major change in how vehicles are controlled. Instead of using mechanical parts like cables and hydraulic lines to control the engine, brakes, and steering, DbW systems rely on electronic signals. This change is especially important for autonomous vehicles, which need to make fast, accurate, and repeatable decisions without direct human input. With DbW, the physical connection between the driver and the car's mechanical parts is removed. Instead, control is passed through digital systems that work well with software-based control methods. This makes it easier to design and update vehicle systems and improves the precision of vehicle movements.

Modern drive-by-wire systems are essential for the development of smart transportation. They help vehicles work more efficiently, respond quickly to changes in traffic, and communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure through vehicle-to-everything (V2X networks). DbW systems rely on a combination of sensors, processors, and actuators to read inputs and convert them into precise movements. By moving away from fixed mechanical responses and toward programmable digital control, these systems open the door to better safety, performance, and communication between vehicles. In the following sections, we will look at each component of the drive-by-wire system, how they work together, and why they are important in the larger context of autonomous driving.