Our off-highway steering systems are used wherever vehicles require maximum precision and reliability under extreme conditions, for example in ports, airports, mining, or industrial plants.
Unlike our steer-by-wire systems for on-highway applications, off-highway solutions are designed for greater scalability, application-specific functionality, and variable vehicle geometries. The number of steerable axles is virtually unlimited. Even vehicle combinations with shared steering geometry can be implemented.
Safety and integration at the system level
Customized solutions with maximum functional safety
Our systems are individually adapted to the respective requirements and developed in accordance with the Machinery Directive and international safety standards. They comply with the standards IEC 61508 up to SIL 3 and ISO 13849 up to PL e, thus ensuring maximum safety and system availability.
The integration of additional drive-by-wire functions is closely linked to our multi-axis steering systems. On request, we can supply complete system solutions with steering, drive, brakes, and working functions from a single source.
Electronic steering wheels, steering force simulators, or joysticks can be used as setpoint generators for the steering movement. Signals from lane guidance or navigation systems can also be integrated directly into the control system.
The mathematical model of the underlying software takes into account not only linear axis arrangements but also free positioning in the X and Y directions. The optimum steering pole is automatically calculated for each steering axis to ensure precise driving movements.
Depending on the vehicle size, operating environment, and desired dynamics, proportional directional control valves, electric actuators, or complete wheel sets can be controlled for the steering actuators.
FAQ - Off-highway vehicles Frequently Asked Questions
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Our systems are scalable for virtually unlimited numbers of axles. Multiple steering axles can be coordinated via the central control unit, even in combination with articulated joints or steered trailer axles. Even linked steering systems for multiple vehicles are technically possible.
All off-highway systems are developed in accordance with IEC 61508 up to SIL 3 and ISO 13849 up to PL e. These standards set the highest requirements for functional safety. In addition, we take into account application-specific standards from mechanical engineering and automotive technology.
Yes. Our system architecture allows the integration of steering, driving, and braking systems within a common control level. This results in a drive-by-wire complete solution that is optimally coordinated.
Integration takes place in close coordination with the vehicle manufacturer. We provide modular hardware and software components that can be connected via standardized interfaces (e.g., CAN, Ethernet). Integration is followed by validation in accordance with safety requirements and the application profile.
