Enhancing safety of automated electric vehicles through Motion-by-Wire
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB - Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Inst f Elektroteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 6 500 000 |
| Project duration | August 2025 - August 2029 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Safe automated driving – FFI |
| Call | Traffic-safe automation - FFI - spring 2025 |
Purpose and goal
The goal of this project is to improve road safety for automated electric vehicles, passenger cars and trucks, by designing and implementing a comprehensive Motion-by-Wire (MBW) system that integrates individual wheel motors, braking and steering through by-wire technology. This project aims to develop advanced vehicle control algorithms that optimize autonomous driving and coordination of MBW actuators, improving vehicle safety in real time.
Expected effects and result
The project will deliver a validated motion-by-wire control system for Level 4 autonomous electric vehicles, demonstrated on Volvo prototypes. Expected effects include improved road safety through robust real-time motion planning, enhanced actuator coordination, and fail-operational capability, enabling safe operation even under X-by-wire system failures.
Planned approach and implementation
The project will develop and integrate advanced control algorithms for coordinated operation of wheel motors, brake-by-wire, and steer-by-wire systems. A high-fidelity vehicle model, supported by empirical data, will guide control design and simulation. Prototype testing will be performed on a Volvo car with in-wheel motors and a Volvo truck with close-to-wheel motors, validating performance, safety, and fail-operational capabilities under realistic driving and fault scenarios.