With Sensify, Brembo presented the brakes of the future. The new brake technology combines "Brake by Wire" with AI and classic hydraulics.
The hydraulically controlled disc or drum brake has established itself in modern automotive engineering over the years. However, brake specialist Brembo still sees potential in using new brake technology to significantly reduce the reaction time and thus achieve shorter braking distances. Under the title Sensify, the Italians have now presented this new technology, which they have been developing for ten years.,
The electronics control
Sensify combines Brembo's current product portfolio of brake calipers, discs and brake pads with digital technology and artificial intelligence to create a to create a flexible platform that digitally controls the braking system with software, prediction algorithms and data management. A classic hydraulic system that is electrically controlled works on the front axle. A purely electromechanical brake system supports the rear axle. The electronic components are new. The conventional brake pedal no longer controls a hydraulic brake circuit, but rather an actuator that translates the pedal movement into a braking process. Two control units process the signals from the actuator – one for each axle. The electronics control a hydraulic unit on the front axle, which then activates the brake calliper via a conventional brake line. An electric servomotor on the brake caliper is controlled directly on the rear axle. Nothing should change for the driver and his braking feeling.,
If he steps on the pedal, the electronics recognize the braking request and forward it to the brake calipers, including all driving-relevant data (and predictive algorithms). The actual braking process is then initiated within just 100 milliseconds. The braking force can be assigned selectively to each wheel. In smaller cars, the Sensify braking system can also be designed with purely electromechanical calipers on the front axle. For larger cars, the hydraulic intermediate step is necessary due to the braking force required for the higher mass, because the servomotors do not generate the necessary force.
Less friction, less consumption, more range
Control via servomotors also has the advantage that the brake pads are no longer permanently in contact with the brake disc, as is the case with hydraulic systems. Without friction, the lining wear and the abrasion generated also decreases. But less friction also means less driving resistance, which in turn reduces consumption and increases the range of e-cars.
The Sensify system also gives car manufacturers more freedom of development, since the system components can be placed much more freely in the vehicle. It is also easier to make adjustments, for example in the case of conversions for the disabled, since the brake is not necessarily tied to a pedal. Future autonomous cars will also benefit from this technology - because where there is no driver, you do not need a brake pedal for a functioning brake. In addition, the electronic brake control also allows various braking modes, as they are currently known from driving programs. Every driver could configure his pedal feel in this way, for example. Over-the-air updates are also possible, so that the braking system is always up to date.
In series production from 2024
The Brembo Sensify brake system is expected to be on the road from 2024. The Italians do not want to reveal which brand in cars yet. In any case, when the system was presented, Brembo relied on cars from Tesla.,
Conclusion
Brembo relies on pure by-wire control for its Sensify braking system. The system should react faster, allow shorter braking distances and also be more environmentally friendly in operation.
