Autonomous driving means: no human intervention. But how can a vehicle reliably steer, brake, and accelerate without hands on the wheel or feet on the pedals?
The answer is both simple and radical: Drive-by-Wire is the prerequisite. Without this technology, any autonomous vehicle would remain paralyzed. Every decision made by the vehicle’s intelligence – whether to “stop,” “swerve,” or “overtake” – must be executed immediately, precisely, and redundantly safe.
The System Architecture of Autonomous Vehicles
An autonomous vehicle can be divided into three functional layers:
Why “Fail-Safe” Is Not Enough
Conventional systems are typically “fail-safe” – when an error occurs, they shut down. Autonomous driving requires more: it requires “fail-operational.”
Application Scenarios: Where It Matters
Conclusion
Drive-by-Wire is not an add-on – it is the essential bridge between AI decision-making and real-world vehicle dynamics.
With NX NextMotion, Arnold NextG provides a platform that:
The answer is both simple and radical: Drive-by-Wire is the prerequisite. Without this technology, any autonomous vehicle would remain paralyzed. Every decision made by the vehicle’s intelligence – whether to “stop,” “swerve,” or “overtake” – must be executed immediately, precisely, and redundantly safe.
The System Architecture of Autonomous Vehicles
An autonomous vehicle can be divided into three functional layers:
- Perception – the senses
Cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors capture the 360-degree environment, fused through multi-sensor fusion algorithms. - AI & AD-Stack – the brain
- Localization using GNSS/IMU and HD maps.
- Object classification via neural networks.
- Trajectory planning using Model Predictive Control (MPC).
- Execution of commands via Steer-, Brake-, and Throttle-by-Wire.
- Secondary functions such as indicators, lighting, horn, and parking brake are electronically controlled.
Why “Fail-Safe” Is Not Enough
Conventional systems are typically “fail-safe” – when an error occurs, they shut down. Autonomous driving requires more: it requires “fail-operational.”
- If one ECU or sensor fails, a backup seamlessly takes over – without loss of control.
- Communication is dual-redundant, using SAFE-CAN A/B or Automotive Ethernet.
- Actuators are redundant, equipped with isolated power supplies and watchdog functions.
- Commands are validated using 2oo3 logic – only when two out of three inputs agree is an action executed.
Application Scenarios: Where It Matters
- Friction detection on icy roads: Electronic control analyzes slip in real time, correcting through precise steering and brake interventions.
- Emergency evasive maneuvers at higher speeds: Redundant actuators respond within <10 ms, executing trajectory changes with stability.
- Precise stopping in urban traffic: Predictive algorithms and Drive-by-Wire ensure reproducible, legally compliant braking – even under high system load.
Conclusion
Drive-by-Wire is not an add-on – it is the essential bridge between AI decision-making and real-world vehicle dynamics.
With NX NextMotion, Arnold NextG provides a platform that:
- Seamlessly connects AI-based AD stacks with vehicle motion control,
- Meets the highest international safety standards (ISO 26262 ASIL D, ISO 21434, UNECE R79),
- And paves the way for scalable, safe, and inclusive autonomous mobility.
