Drive by wire

Drive by wire, DbW, by-wire, Steer-by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry is the use of electrical or electro-mechanical systems for performing vehicle functions traditionally achieved by mechanical linkages. This technology replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators. Components such as the [steering column], intermediate shafts, pumps, hoses, belts, coolers and vacuum servos and master cylinders are eliminated from the vehicle. This is similar to the fly-by-wire systems used widely in the aviation industry.

Examples include electronic throttle control and brake-by-wire.

Safety can be improved by providing computer controlled intervention of vehicle controls with systems such as electronic stability control (ESC), adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist Systems.

Ergonomics can be improved by the amount of force and range of movement required by the driver and by greater flexibility in the location of controls. This flexibility also significantly expands the number of options for the vehicle's design.

Eliminating mechanical linkages can provide savings in weight.

Drive by wire systems can be "hacked", and their control faulted or shut off, by either wired or wireless connections.

Electronic Throttle Control is used to control the fuel injection system, controlling the throttle butterfly position and feeding into the Electronic Fuel ignition module. Purely steering systems have now found widespread application in passenger cars. This thought that sensors control a vehicle with no mechanical components. Although it is allowed to bring up these issues with multiple current electronic systems (as in fly-by-wire systems used by many airliners and military aircraft), the additional cost and service requirements have made these systems commercially uncompetitive to date. Hybrid vehicles use low amount of electronically driven regenerative slowing down which charges the cars battery, but the common hydraulic braking system is remained. The profits of hybrid and electric vehicles is soon to become a common point for DbW systems in the cars because of the presence of high powered electrical supports needed for the current electrical components.

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Wikipedia