Brembo starts production of software controlled brakes
Brembo put its Sensify braking system into series production, marking a major step away from traditional hydraulics and brake fluid. The new brake by wire system controls braking force electronically and separately at each wheel.
Brembo says Sensify reached the model range of its first car maker customer, although the company has not yet named the manufacturer or the models. The system replaces conventional hydraulic circuits with electric actuators, sensors and software control.
Each wheel gets its own braking logic
The main change lies in how the system distributes braking force. In a conventional setup, brake fluid transfers the force from the pedal to the wheels. Sensify instead calculates and applies the required braking force for each wheel individually. That should improve stability, especially when grip varies from one side of the car to the other.
The system suits electric cars particularly well, where mechanical braking has to work alongside regenerative braking. Software control allows the two systems to blend more smoothly and reduces the transitions the driver can feel through the pedal.
Brembo also says Sensify could reduce maintenance needs because it no longer uses brake fluid. The company also promises lower residual friction between pads and discs, which could improve efficiency and reduce wear.
A critical system moves into software
Although Brembo describes Sensify as an important step in the evolution of braking, some technical details remain undisclosed. The big questions concern backup systems, fault handling and diagnostics, because brakes remain among the most critical safety systems in any car.
The direction, though, is already clear. The braking system is moving from a mechanical and hydraulic component into a software controlled platform. For Brembo, that means a shift from component supplier to developer of a complete braking system.
