Wire controlled steering accelerates industrialization, intelligent steering knuckles become key to high-end supply chain access

With the upgrading of intelligent driving technology, the industrialization process of steer by wire (SBW) system has significantly accelerated, driving the "intelligent steering knuckle" to become a new track in the industry. Data shows that in 2024, China's line controlled steering vehicles accounted for 31% of the global installed volume, a year-on-year increase of 172%. Its design paradigm of removing mechanical connections and increasing electronic integration poses a structural substitution risk to traditional steering knuckles.

The new generation of intelligent steering knuckles has embedded angle, strain, and temperature sensors, and the product boundary has expanded from mechanical load-bearing to state perception and functional safety redundancy execution. The key requirement is to meet IT5 level form and position accuracy and ISO 21448/SOTIF functional safety standards. Nasen Technology, GAC Components and other enterprises have received a maximum of 30% R&D subsidy from Guangdong Province, focusing on sensor integration and verification technology research and development. Industry analysis indicates that companies with the ability to integrate mechanical and electrical components will dominate the high-end supply chain, with L4 level Robotaxi specialized modules and semi-solid die casting becoming the focus of competition in the next three years.