German-based technology company Continental Automotive has allegedly secured its first significant order in the third quarter for its semi-dry brake system called ‘Future Brake System’ (FBS).
“We are excited to start seeing the future brake system on the road soon,” said Lutz Kuehnke, head of Safety and Motion Business Area and Vehicle Dynamics at Continental Automotive, North America.
“Semi-dry brakes represent the next generation of braking on our product roadmap. Systems like this are essential for drivers to be able to safely access additional electrification and automated driving features.”
As a result, the lifetime sales for this new system have increased to more than €2 billion (U.S $2.07 billion), claimed the firm.
Future Brake Systems are mainly employed in automobiles with altered architectures. FBS enables the automaker to choose smart actuator hardware, where the software can be deployed over any electronic control unit to maintain safety redundancy and provide flexibility to the customers.
For safety and redundancy, the components can function on several current High-performance Computers (HPC), with integrated Wheel Control Units.
The semi-dry system includes the MK C2 brake-by-wire system from Continental’s second generation, along with electromechanical brakes on the back axle. There is no need for brake fluid with these “dry” brakes, claims the company.
The FBS 1 (first upgrade) with an electronic pedal supports unique vehicle designs with multiple kinds of interiors and sizes. These include electrified cars’ skateboard-like chassis, which can be used to install multiple sorts of bodies.
“With the semi-dry system, there is no longer a need to actuate brakes hydraulically on the rear axle,” said Kuehnke.
“That means traditional vehicle architectures can be disrupted to unlock new design opportunities. The system is a key step as we build toward a future where the hydraulic system is eliminated completely.”
The second generation brake-by-wire system from Continental, the MK C2, is at the start. The MK C2 is the point of entrance for all Future Brake Systems. This is evident from its inclusion in the semi-dry system, according to the automotive firm.
Production of the MK C2 will begin at Continental’s Morganton, North Carolina, facility in 2023.
“The team here can’t wait to start rolling out the MK C2,” said David Jones, Morganton Plant Manager. “There is a sense of pride to be at the forefront of producing the future of brake systems. We know the products we make help keep people safe every day. With the MK C2, we’re set up to have that same impact on future generations of vehicles and grow our team in the process.”