Speaker: Nick Appelman, TU Delft

Title: Dynamics and Control of a Steer-by-Wire Bicycle

Abstract: Already for some time, electronic enhancements regarding vehicle behavior has made its way into the aviation and automotive industry by the term "by-wire" technology. Electronic sensors and actuators are used to replace traditional mechanical systems in which software is used to operate the actuators in a way that is not possible with traditional mechanical systems.

The use of steer-by-wire technology can also offer great opportunities on single-track vehicles like motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. Single-track vehicles can be highly unstable, especially at low forward speeds and their require a relative high amount of rider control. By replacing the mechanical connection between the handlebars- and steering-assembly with electronic actuators, a controller can be used to control the dynamic behavior of the bicycle based on additional sensor information.

This presentation will focus on the modeling and simulation of a steer-by-wire control strategy to modify and enhance the lateral stability of a bicycle, as well as the actual implementation on a steer-by-wire bicycle prototype.