A passenger car with an active rear wheel steering system is developed in the scope of the European Prometheus programme. For the active rear wheel steering system mainly standard available parts are used in order to remain compatible with realistic automotive solutions. An overview is given of the differences between theory and practice encountered during development of the steering system. The influence of the bit resolution in the micro-processor on the steering system performance, the bandwith of the steering hydraulics, the translation of the theoretical steering strategy to a strategy applicable in the micro-processor and the feedback steering strategies have been main aspects. Special utilized computer systems are suitable for prototyping of `smart' vehicle systems, but the step from the prototype towards an automotive application should not be underestimated. (A)
Abstract