DAIKOJIMACHI, Japan — Brembo, the premium Italian brake-maker known for outfitting Ferrari and Lamborghini, plans to “democratize” high-performance, all-electric brake systems for mass-market brands with a new technology that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence.
The new setup, called Sensify, enables precise vehicle control by constantly applying different brake force to each of the four wheels independently. Brembo calls the development as revolutionary as the advent of antilock braking systems and wants to start production in 2025.
“Brembo is associated with high-end sports cars,” Dino Maggioni, COO of Brembo’s Global Business Unit, said during a demonstration at a proving ground here north of Tokyo last month.
“But with Sensify, we are presenting a solution that will democratize four-wheel independence,” he said. “It’s a revolutionary development in braking. It’s opening a new era.”
Brembo hopes Sensify sets an industry benchmark for next-generation braking, just as ABS did after it debuted decades ago and eventually became today’s de facto must-have.
“Competition will be made on this standard in the future,” Maggioni said. “We are very early movers, setting the new rules.”
Sensify combines Brembo’s portfolio of calipers, discs and friction materials with digital technology and artificial intelligence to create a flexible network that includes software, predictive algorithms and data management to control the brake system digitally.
Today’s brake systems use hydraulic calipers that apply the same force to each wheel. When a wheel loses grip, the ABS opens that caliper to regain grip and then braking is resumed.
In Sensify, two control units, one for the front axle and one for the real axle, apply the desired braking force to each individual wheel. The braking process uses electromechanical actuators that have a faster reaction time than traditional hydraulic systems.
“It’s independent four-wheel braking in all conditions in all times,” Chief R&D Officer Alessandro Ciotti said. “It’s designed to be scalable and fit-able to all major segments.”
Brembo said the system can be used in a dry setup without hydraulic fluid for a completely electric system in anything from compact cars to large sedans and SUVs. It can also leverage a hydraulic system connected to the electronic backbone for added oomph in sports cars. And it can be deployed in vans, trucks and commercial vehicles, Brembo said.
Brembo is in talks with manufacturers to supply Sensify, executives said, though they declined to offer names. Top brass were in Japan to pitch the system to automakers here.
Nissan, Mazda and Toyota vehicles were among those depicted in a Brembo presentation touting the widespread, mass-market applicability of the upcoming Sensify system.
The supplier is still working to miniaturize the system and reduce costs before 2025. In particular, engineers intend to downsize the actuators and the central processing units.
Brembo predicts the new system will have special appeal in the age of electric vehicles because Sensify will make it easier for carmakers to differentiate the ride and handling of their vehicles through a software-controlled braking system that can be tailored to a brand’s persona.
“One of the challenges for car manufacturers with EVs is the issue of personalization of the car,” said Fabio Casablanca, general manager of Brembo Japan. “With Sensify, the OEM has a greater level of personalization of the braking system, of the performance and of the driving experience.”
Brembo said delivering finely tuned braking to each wheel brings many advantages.
Finally, the Sensify layout delivers safety benefits because it clears much of the braking hardware normally clustered in front of the driver, such as the master cylinder and electronic stability program. By moving smart actuators and brake control units to the wheels and axle areas, Brembo reckons it has removed 13 pounds of mass from the driver’s crumple zone.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter your email address.
Please verify captcha.
Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.
You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.
You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.
Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.
1155 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit MI 48207-2997
Tel: +1 877-812-1584
Email Us
ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
ISSN 2643-6604 (online)
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.