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June Newsletter
Steering System - Drive-by-wire
Happy June!
As we say goodbye to spring and welcome summer, we have exciting news to report.
Our partners at Ideenion have been hard at work, the world-expert German team has been our anchor and has focused on the electromechanical side of our last remaining core technical risk: the steering system. Ideenion chose an “off-the-shelf” drive-by-wire system for the X-1 prototype. This custom application allows for safe & secure remote testing for driving and provides plug-and-play capability for our Autonomous Driving System’s development.
Click “View" or the pic below to watch the video as Christian Schrom and Stefan Schaeper demo the complete system on a prototype “Xbus” Kei Car (I want one).
This functional demo exhibits Ideenion’s capability in the auto industry to quickly execute not only on prototype development using steer-by-wire, but also the integration of the brakes & accelerator-by-wire, battery pack, inverter, and BMS/charger for the X-1 prototype. This is a Big step forward!
This is a critical derisking of the balancing / steering system: electromechanical integration. The other subsystems in the steering system are predominantly mechanical: the X-1’s proprietary chassis onboard steering mounts/joints, suspension system, wheel, and supporting steering components, followed by mass properties/characterization, and data filtering / gains refinement in the steering feedback loop for integrated controls. Future developments are better known engineering processes of integration, tolerance & hysteresis management.
The successful implementation of the drive-by-wire system is an important step before we move to the development and integration into the X-1 hybrid unibody prototype chassis. There is light at the end of the tunnel before we go HAM on the automotive development of the X-1 prototype for pre-production development. Happy to share this exciting development with you!
Impressive progress on the drive-by-wire system! It’s exciting to see such advanced tech in action. While waiting for the X-1 prototype, I’ve been relaxing with some free online games to stay updated on the latest hits.
It is truly impressive to see the team master the drive-by-wire system and resolve this core technical challenge! The seamless integration of electronic steering, braking, and throttle control ensures significantly more precise and safe vehicle operation. This breakthrough immediately reminds me of the game eggy car—where a single imprecise tap on the gas or brake causes the egg to drop instantly. I am really looking forward to the launch of the finalized X-1 model!
Loved this newsletter! The update on Doodle Baseball really got me excited I’ve had such a blast playing it recently. Thanks for sharing all these cool insights!
The drive-by-wire demo with the Xbus Kei Car is exactly the kind of milestone that makes the remaining technical risk feel way less scary—also, I totally want one of those little things. It’s great to see Ideenion’s expertise coming together so cleanly for the X-1. By the way, I keep a home café brewing guide I like to share: https://homecafelab.com/
I appreciate how you emphasized Lit Motors' advances in this June newsletter! The emphasis on block blast is fascinating; it's an excellent way to make technology enjoyable and accessible.