Mary has over 20 years experience as the editor of our Malaysian sister magazine, The Tyreman. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she writes articles for us on the Malaysian and other South East Asian markets.
Phone: (60) 3 7781 1323
UD Trucks Introduces UD Active Steering to Reduce Driver Fatigue
UD Active Steering features an electric motor mounted above the hydraulic steering gear to provide additional torque when necessary.
UD Active Steering on Selected Quan Models
On 1st July, UD Active Steering, a revolutionary technology that vastly improves steering precision and driver comfort, will be available on selected heavy-duty flagship Quon models in Japan.
UD Active Steering features an electric motor mounted above the hydraulic steering gear to provide additional torque when necessary. The electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the electric motor receives input 2,000 times per second from sensors throughout the truck, monitoring the driving environment and the driver's own actions. This system control adds appropriate torque to the weight of the steering wheel, providing precise and stable steering irrespective of speed, cargo, and road conditions. The ease and precision of steering helps reduce driver fatigue and make roads safer.
Five benefits brought by UD Active Steering
- Low Speed Agility
When turning at low speeds and reversing in tight spaces, additional steering torque automatically feeds into the system to allow the driver to maneuver with a light touch. - High Speed Stability
When driving at higher speeds, the weight of the steering wheel adjusts to provide superior stability - Rough Road Dampening
Dampens vibrations from rough roads. Minute directional adjustments keeps the driver on a course. - Cross Wind Correction
Virtually eliminates steering corrections needed in crosswinds, keeping the driver on a straight course. - Return to Centre
Whether turning or reversing, the steering wheel will return to centre when released, saving driving effort and bringing the vehicle into a straight line quickly and easily.
UD Trucks conducted independent tests to measure and compare driver fatigue between trucks equipped with and without UD Active Steering. An electroencephalograph (EEG) was used to measure the level of driver concentration and stress, while an electromyogram (EMG) was used to measure the amount of muscle exertion.
Results showed that subjects driving trucks equipped with UD Active Steering had lower levels of stress and reduced levels of excessive concentration. Subjects also recorded lower levels of muscle exertion in their arms with UD Active Steering, especially when parking and driving on irregular surfaces.