Technology for Better Life

The world’s largest KANJI was created to demonstrate the drivability, precision and stability of UD Active Steering. It was created in collaboration with renown calligrapher, Gyousyou Suzuki. A giant brush was mounted on the rear of the Quon equipped with UD Active Steering. On Suzuki’s direction, the truck drew the character, stroke by stroke, with mastery akin to the delicate and deliberate hand and brush movements of the calligrapher himself.

About Gyousyou Suzuki 
Gyousyou Suzuki studied under master calligrapher Gyoun Mochizuki and is a member of the All-Japan Calligraphy Federation. He has received many awards and accolades for his craft. His work has been featured on television programs and in commercials. He has also written several books on calligraphy.

UD Active Steering is a breakthrough technology that offers a safer, more comfortable experience for the driver.

UD Active Steering features an electric motor mounted above the hydraulic steering gear to provide additional torque when necessary. The electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on the electric motor receives input 2,000 times per second from sensors throughout the truck, monitoring the driving environment and the driver's own actions. This system control adds appropriate torque to the weight of the steering wheel, providing precise and stable steering irrespective of speed, cargo, and road conditions.
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When driving at higher speeds, the weight of the steering wheel adjusts to provide superior stability.

Active Steering virtually eliminates the steering corrections needed in crosswinds, keeping the driver on a straight course.

UD Trucks conducted independent tests to measure and compare driver fatigue between trucks equipped with and without UD Active Steering. An electroencephalograph (EEG) was used to measure the level of driver concentration and stress, while an electromyogram (EMG) was used to measure the amount of muscle exertion. Results showed that subjects driving trucks equipped with UD Active Steering had lower levels of stress and could be operated without excessive concentration. Subjects also recorded lower levels of muscle exertion in their arms with UD Active Steering, especially when parking or driving on uneven road surfaces.

On July 1, UD Active Steering was unveiled to media at the Ageo UD Experience Center. Making a special appearance was Gyousyou Suzuki, a master calligrapher, who drew a giant KANJI on stage. The press conference was attended in person by 20 journalists.