An electric power steering system is a power steering system directly assisted by an electric motor. The motor and its reduction gear can be integrated with the steering column or the rack-and-pinion steering gear. Sensors detect the driver’s torque and the vehicle speed, and an electronic control unit receives those signals to provide variable steering assistance. EPS systems have many advantages over traditional hydraulic power steering systems such as the engine efficiency, space deployment, and driving safety. Therefore, the increasing market demand for EPS is obvious.

1. Rack force: ≥ 5 kN
2. Reduction gear: Worm and worm gear/Planetary gearing
3. Motor: 12V, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
4. Control Logic: Basic assistance, damp, return, inertia and impact compensation control

The EPS technology can be applied to automobiles, electric vehicles and all-terrain vehicles which need power steering assistance. Also, EPS systems can be integrated with other sensors to realize active safety control.

ARTC has established EPS technologies which include intelligence gathering about patents and technologies, auxiliary steering mechanism design/analysis/prototyping/patent portfolio, design and development of electronic control units, etc. The establishment can make domestic component manufacturers have capabilities of system integration and development and master EPS system technologies in early preparation for the trend that EPS systems completely overtake hydraulic systems.