Automobile driving seeks new avenues, and Toyota is often at the wheel of these attempts. The Neo Steer is more than just an experiment: it's a window into a future where accessibility is not an option, but the norm. With total control shifted to the steering wheel, Toyota not only challenges convention, but completely rewrites it.
What is this?
The peculiarity of Neo Steer lies in its ability to manage steering and propulsion exclusively via a control stick. An idea that not only offers new design possibilities, but also opens the doors of riding to anyone, regardless of the use of their legs.
The Neo Steer system is based on a steer-by-wire design, which eliminates any physical connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheel, allowing Toyota to dramatically reduce the ratio between steering wheel inputs and the amount of turn of the front wheels. This not only makes driving lighter and more manageable, but also allows the introduction of additional assistance if necessary. The result is a ride that does not require large movements or excessive effort, ideal for those with movement limitations in the shoulders and arms.
Driving controls
Neo Steer's controls are inspired by those of a motorcycle. The accelerator is represented by a small handlebar to be rotated on the right side of the joystick, while to brake a bicycle-style lever is used on the left side. These controls, along with those for the turn signals and windshield wipers, are positioned to be easily operated with the thumbs, keeping the hands in a fixed and safe position.
The road test
During the test, the ease of use of the accelerator and the comfortable position of the brake lever made the driving experience surprisingly pleasant and intuitive. Although the brake lever requires further refinement to match the precision of the accelerator, its ease of use remains the most important aspect. The ability to provide forced feedback through the brake lever opens up interesting scenarios, similar to those offered by modern console controllers.
Is Neo Steer the future of driving?
If what Toyota proposes seems like a strange step, think about it. The first cars didn't even have a steering wheel, but a crank. It took 9 years (1885 to 1894) to see a steering wheel. Another 6 years for a change. Another 21 years for hydraulic brakes! As much as we have become accustomed to the driving we know, this does not mean that it will remain the same forever.
Wider adoption of steer-by-wire could be the perfect link between current and future self-driving cars, maintaining manual controls without compromising interior space. Toyota's Neo Steer isn't just an exercise in style, but a preview of what could become a common reality. We're likely to hear more about this driving system (or similar solutions) in the coming years, and that should be good news for all drivers, regardless of their skills.
