In the past 10 years or so, the tech stuffed into our bikes has taken massive leaps forward. Gizmos like throttle-by-wire, once found only on high-end bikes, are now standard even on entry-level models. And advanced rider aids like cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control have also filtered down to more accessible models. But in the world of cars, there’s one tech making waves that could change the game entirely: brake-by-wire.
Of course, this advancement comes from none other than Bosch, a company that has been developing a bunch of advanced automotive and motorcycle tech for years. It announced that it recently completed a major test involving over 3,300 kilometers across multiple climates for its supposedly revolutionary brake-by-wire technology on four-wheeled vehicles.
The tech works pretty much how you think it would work. Like the now-ubiquitous ride-by-wire, brake-by-wire replaces mechanical connections—in this case, hydraulic hoses and cylinders—with electronic actuators. According to Bosch, this change allows for more flexibility in design and better integration with electronic systems like stability control (ESP), and eventually, autonomous cars. This gives the car’s brain the ability to adjust braking pressure as needed.
