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Ultra-compact electric vehicles are becoming popular means of personal mobility. However, due to their small size, it is difficult to install an assist mechanism for steering operation in most of these vehicles. As a solution, the research team proposes the application of the steer-by-wire system (SBWS) to control the front tires of the vehicle without any mechanical connection. By changing the steering gear ratio and steering wheel reaction torque, SBWS can provide optimal operability and driving comfort. In this study, an experimental vehicle is equipped with SBWS and the steering reaction torque of the steering wheel based on the steering angle as feedback is adjusted. The experimental results show that changing the steering wheel reaction torque affects driver muscle burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable-gear-ratio steering, also known as active steering, is an advanced steering technology which enhances the driver's comfort and vehicle operability. However, one big problem, namely the unnatural reaction torque created by the variable actuator, restricts the further practical-use of the variable-gear-ratio steering. This paper proposes a control method to cancel the unnatural torque using a simple concept called friction relocation. Effectiveness of the method is experimentally confirmed using a hardware-in-the-loop simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]