Volvo Trucks has further optimized the Dynamic Steering. The new generation of the VDS has been developed so that the system can detect tire damage on the front axle at an early stage and actively assists drivers in keeping the truck on a stable course.
Less steering force required
The effects of a sudden loss of air pressure should be mitigated by reducing the resulting lateral forces. The manufacturer cites the advantages of Volvo Dynamic Steering as reducing the required steering force at low speeds by up to 75 percent.
This could particularly relieve truck drivers on long journeys. The first generation of the VDS was introduced in 2013.
“A burst tire can cause a truck to suddenly lose control or even tip over – with potentially fatal consequences. This innovation increases safety for both the drivers and all other road users,” explains Anna Wrige Berling, Director Traffic Safety at Volvo Trucks.
In the event of a burst tire on the front axle, a sudden pressure release could cause the front wheels to
spin and the vehicle to become unstable – in the worst case, there is a risk of tipping over or leaving the road.
Without a supportive steering system, the driver must react and maintain control within fractions of a second to avoid an accident. The new system responds immediately when it detects a pressure loss – even before it becomes noticeable.
Physical relief
The VDS is intended to provide support not only in emergency situations like tire damage but also relieve everyday driving, facilitate maneuvering at different speeds and road conditions, improve steering control, and contribute to vehicle stability.
Occupational health risks for truck drivers include physical strain and fatigue – particularly affecting the neck, back, and shoulders – due to hours of sitting in the same position and vibrations. Additionally, continuous minor steering corrections are needed to adapt to changing road conditions.
With the help of Dynamic Steering, steering wheel vibrations should be reduced, and steering assistance automatically adapted to the respective road conditions.
A new service, recently introduced as part of
Volvo Connect, is also intended to contribute to road safety: It should automatically limit the speed of trucks in individually predefined geographical zones, such as parking or maneuvering areas.
It is supported by so-called geofencing. The Volvo Connect Positioning Service is required for this. The system, as well as the optimized VDS, are available for the Volvo FH, FH Aero, FMX, FM, and the new FM Low Entry models.
According to the manufacturer, Volvo Dynamic Steering should
- detect and automatically compensate unwanted steering impulses
- early detect skidding tendencies and support with gentle counter-steering
- warn of unintended lane departure through gentle counter-steering and vibrations
- compensate for road unevenness and reduce vibrations in the steering wheel
- reduce the physical strain on the back, neck, and shoulders due to fewer necessary steering corrections
Stable on course
According to the manufacturer, the system reduces the required steering force by about 75 percent at low speeds, which is advantageous when reversing and during precise maneuvering. At higher speeds, VDS ensures that the truck remains stable on course even
on uneven ground or in strong crosswinds.
The steering wheel automatically centers itself as soon as the driver loosens the grip. The technology is based on the truck's hydraulic power steering, which is supplemented by an electronically controlled electric motor. This motor continuously adjusts the steering and provides additional steering force as needed.
According to Volvo Trucks, VDS is available in combination with the Stability Assist, which is intended to support gentle steering correction in the event of a skidding risk and thus stabilize the vehicle. The system can also be combined with the Lane Keeping Assist.
Another system based on VDS: the Pilot Assist, whose task is to continuously monitor the position of the truck on the road, provide active steering support, and maintain the distance from the vehicle ahead.
Customization options
Volvo Dynamic Steering is individually customizable via personal settings. This allows the steering resistance and response to be matched to one's own preferences and driving situations. One can choose from various preset profiles that offer optimal steering support for different
