Drive-by-wire

Driver input is traditionally transferred to the motor, wheels, and brakes through a mechanical linkage attached to controls such as a steering wheel, throttle pedal, hydraulic brake pedal, brake pull handle, and so on, which apply mechanical forces. In drive-by-wire systems, driver input does not directly adjust a mechanical linkage, instead the input is processed by an electronic control unit which controls the vehicle using electromechanicalactuators. The human–machine interface, such as a steering wheel, yoke, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and so on, may include haptic feedback that simulates the resistance of hydraulic and mechanical pedals and steering, including steering kickback. Components such as the steering column, intermediate shafts, pumps, hoses, belts, coolers, vacuum servos and master cylinders are eliminated from the vehicle. Safety standards for drive-by-wire are specified by the ISO 26262 standard level D.