Motion-Controlled Vehicle Steering

Motion controls are often used in video games to pilot vehicles but a new Ford patent shows that the iconic automotive company is looking to use the same technology to control autonomous cars. This new Ford patent is fairly straightforward but could prove to be a huge step forward in autonomous vehicles, especially for those afraid to give full control away to a machine.

The Ford patent describes two ways this tech could work in a practical fashion. Firstly, the device could utilize an ersatz steering wheel. This system would detect a request to handoff driving from vehicle to person and will then sync the device to the vehicle. This system also detects a "base" position for the wheel, ensuring proper handling with a smartphone. The second mode uses the angle of the device to change the vehicle's steering angle.


Image Credit: Ford