The Revolution on Four Wheels- Why True Autonomy Is Only Possible with Drive-by-Wire
(PresseBox) – Autonomous driving is far more than the next generation of driver assistance systems. It represents a societal turning point. From SAE Level 3, a vehicle can take over driving tasks in specific scenarios. At Level 4, things get truly exciting – the vehicle operates fully independently within defined Operational Design Domains (ODD), such as urban environments or highways.
But the real impact goes beyond technology: autonomous driving is reshaping mobility, safety, and inclusion – and with it, our everyday lives.
Why It Matters
This technology addresses key megatrends:
Labour shortages: Especially in logistics and public transport, a lack of drivers can be offset by autonomous fleets.
Road safety: According to the WHO and NHTSA, more than 90% of road accidents are caused by human error – distraction, fatigue, alcohol, or misjudgement. Autonomous systems respond reliably within milliseconds.
Climate protection & efficiency: Intelligent fleet management reduces empty runs, optimises routing, and lowers emissions.
Inclusion: For people with disabilities, seniors, or children, autonomy opens new levels of independence. Mobility becomes a universal right of access.
The Technological Foundation
An autonomous vehicle is a highly complex, interconnected system. It integrates multiple layers:
Sensing
LiDAR: generates an accurate 3D map of the surroundings
Radar: reliable even in fog or heavy rain
Cameras: for object detection and semantic understanding
Ultrasonic sensors: short-range detection, e.g. parking manoeuvres
2. Computing
Redundant ADAS/AD controllers fuse sensor data and make driving decisions.
Only a fail-operational architecture ensures continued functionality in case of faults – as implemented in NX NextMotion.
3. Perception & Path Planning
AI algorithms detect objects, assess risks, and compute safe trajectories.
Solutions such as DuxAlpha by Arnold NextG demonstrate intelligent, efficient 3D path planning in real time.
4. Actuation
Every decision must be executed immediately and with redundant safety.
This is where Drive-by-Wire is essential: replacing mechanical linkages with electrical signals for precise, repeatable control.
Standards as a Prerequisite for Trust
Autonomous driving requires not only advanced technology but also compliance with the strictest safety standards. Systems like NX NextMotion are developed according to:
ISO 26262 (ASIL D): highest safety level for automotive E/E systems
IEC 61508 (SIL3): industrial functional safety standard
ISO 21434: cybersecurity for connected vehicles
UNECE R79 / FMVSS 126: global regulations for steering and stability control
This means platforms such as NX NextMotion are ready not just technologically, but also regulatorily, for autonomous operation.
Real-Time Decision-Making – The Critical Difference
Human drivers operate on experience – but are also prone to distraction, emotion, and error.
Autonomous vehicles operate on data and logic:
Sensor inputs ? algorithms ? actuators – in milliseconds.
No “maybe,” no “too late” – only predictable precision in real time.
Crucially, this logic must not end in simulation. It must be safely and redundantly translated into motion. This is precisely where Drive-by-Wire – as in NX NextMotion – forms the backbone of modern autonomy systems.
Conclusion
Autonomous driving is no longer a vision for tomorrow – it is a system architecture already in operation. Sensing, AI, and Drive-by-Wire form a safety network that exceeds human capabilities and lays the foundation for a new era of mobility. The decisive factor is the ability to make real-time decisions and execute them with precision and safety. This is where Drive-by-Wire comes in – as a fully digital, fail-operational control of steering, braking, and propulsion. How this works in detail – and why it is the indispensable foundation of true autonomy – will be the focus of Part 2 in this series. We control what moves.
Über Arnold NextG:
Arnold NextG realisiert die Safety-by-Wire®-Technologie von morgen: das mehrfach redundante Zentralsteuergerät NX NextMotion ermöglicht eine ausfallsichere und individuelle Implementierung, fahrzeugplattform-unabhängig und weltweit einzigartig. Mit dem System können autonome Fahrzeugkonzepte sicher und nach den neuesten Hard- und Software- sowie Sicherheitsstandards umgesetzt werden, ebenso wie Remote-, Teleoperation- oder Platooning- Lösungen Als unabhängiger Vorausentwickler, Inkubator und Systemlieferant übernimmt Arnold NextG die Planung und Umsetzung – von der Vision bis zur Straßenzulassung. Mit der Straßenzulassung von NX NextMotion setzen wir den globalen Drive-by-Wire-Standard. http://www.arnoldnextg.de
About Arnold NextG:
Arnold NextG realizes the safety-by-wire® technology of tomorrow: The multi-redundant central control unit NX NextMotion enables a fail-safe and individual implementation, independent of the vehicle platform and unique worldwide. The system can be used to safely implement autonomous vehicle concepts in accordance with the latest hardware, software and safety standards, as well as remote control, teleoperation or platooning solutions. As an independent pre-developer, incubator and system supplier, Arnold NextG takes care of planning and implementation – from vision to road approval. With the road approval of NX NextMotion, we are setting the global drive-by-wire standard. http://www.arnoldnextg.com
