How Lexus Fixed Tesla's Bad Idea: Steer-By-Wire Yoke

[Kaido]

I dunno man

 

[herm0016]

Bad ideas don't get better with a slight redesign.

 

[Ajay]

I’d like to try out that yoke steering wheel (the Lexus).

 

[Kaido]

Bad ideas don't get better with a slight redesign.

Two issues I see:

1. The the lag in the pre-production version. No way that'd fly in the real world.

2. The adjustable steering system explained later in the video, where it can auto-adjust based on speed, area, etc., is a very, very, VERY bad idea. Daily human operation is built on automaticity, where things act the way we expect them to act. If the steering is going to be variable, then it needs to be consistently variable, not variably variable. I remember being kind of upset when Musk refused to put the variable steering system the Teslas with the yoke & later explained that it was a really difficult problem to solve, but I didn't fully appreciate what that meant until I saw the video in the OP & thought about how bad it would be for non-enthusiast drivers to expect one set of driving behaviors but get a different story every time - even though it makes technical sense in the specific situation it changes under - because we work off habits & repetition & the reliability of our interfaces, and taking that away could spell disaster down the road!

I have the same issue with the yolk steering wheels...I think people could get used to it, but in emergency situations where you go to grab the top of a standard steering wheel & it's not there, that's a pretty scary situation to be in! I really hope they offer the Cybertruck with a regular wheel, because, while I'll suspend judgement until trying it, that may be a dealerbreaker for me...

 

[Ken g6]

Yeah, the lag is unforgivable.

I wonder if they could put a CVT between a standard steering wheel and the rack? Same effect, within reason, but with a direct mechanical linkage.

 

[skyking]

these are the kinds of failures you get with control-by-wire. No thanks. Give me a connection to the steering mechanics please.

 

[Ajay]

these are the kinds of failures you get with control-by-wire. No thanks. Give me a connection to the steering mechanics please.

Hmm, a billion (maybe more) passengers are flown around the globe each year by commercial aircraft using FBW systems. Must be a terrible idea. Also, military jets are using FBW systems - another dumb idea I guess.

 

[skyking]

And FBW systems have been at the root of several notable fatal accidents, one which sidelined the 737Max for a long time. I can do this all day.
Military jets HAD to use FBW due to inherently intstable aircraft design, to either maximize performance or reduce radar signature.
The Wobbly Goblin, F117a stealth fighter can't operate without 3 computers up and running.
So I am warranted into being concerned that the direct connection to the steering is being removed.

 

[Ajay]

Fair enough, though the problems were with the software (and very risky aerodynamic changes in shoehorning large high-bypass turbofan engines onto a smaller plane - IIRC).

Many cars today do have electronically controlled accelerators and brakes - so no mechanical connection there either).

 

[NutBucket]

Even the latest F18 switched to fly by wire. No system is perfect.
But in terms of a car, unnecessary complexity...just like electronic throttle bodies
Saab was trying this in the 80's. I believe the motivation was removing the wheel makes it safer in a crash.

 

[sdifox]

Yeah no, nothing wrong with a steering wheel. Stop trying to make it a non circular steering doohickey.

 

[IronWing]

Yeah no, nothing wrong with a steering wheel. Stop trying to make it a non circular steering doohickey.

Control stick would leave room for a fold-down tray to make eating while driving more convenient.

 

[skyking]

Don't forget making it easy to apply makeup.

 

[igor_kavinski]

Control stick would leave room for a fold-down tray to make eating while driving more convenient.

And mums can put their babies on that and breastfeed them.

 

[skyking]

that would be practical. you'd have to have BFB airbag mode.

 

[sdifox]

that would be practical. you'd have to have BFB airbag mode.

Why? When the car crashes, the airbag would send baby out the window or sunroof to safety!

 

[Ajay]

Yeah no, nothing wrong with a steering wheel. Stop trying to make it a non circular steering doohickey.

Well, I’m tall enough to be sick of the top of the steering wheel blocking my view.

 

[sdifox]

Well, I’m tall enough to be sick of the top of the steering wheel blocking my view.

No, that means you are too short.

 

[gorobei]

No, that means you are too short.

i think he means the view of the instrument gauge cluster(spedo tach etc)

 

[sdifox]

i think he means the view of the instrument gauge cluster(spedo tach etc)

Only plebs have non adjustable steering wheel

 

[Ken g6]

I suppose the difference is, if the accelerator-by-wire fails, the car will just slow down and stop. (Hopefully.) If the brake-by-wire fails, there should be a mechanical emergency brake. If steering-by-wire fails...well, better hope a brake is working.

 

[repoman0]

They can’t even get steering feedback right with mechanically connected EPAS systems (except reportedly Porsche, but I’ve never driven one) vs old school hydraulic systems … steer by wire will be great I’m sure!

 

[IronWing]

Meh, ever since automakers intentionally sabotaged one finger power steering, they all suck now.

 

[igor_kavinski]

We need WASD or arrow keys. Or a gamepad.

Better driving. Minimum effort. Less confusion (for people who may hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes in panic)

 

[WelshBloke]

We need WASD or arrow keys. Or a gamepad.

Better driving. Minimum effort. Less confusion (for people who may hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes in panic)

Man you should see me trying to use an Xbox controller! “A! A? Which one is A? RS?! What the fuck does RS mean?!“