Combined Brake and Steering Actuator for Automatic Vehicle Control

This report describes a combined steering and brake actuator system for use in automatic vehicle control research The system allows a standard passenger car to switch from normal manual operation to automatic operation and back in a seamless manner using largely standard parts. The system uses a constant flow actuator system which employs valves using standard constant-pressure spool valve bodies and custom spools. The technique minimizes the mechanical disruption to the vehicle and also allows a smooth transmission between modes.