A steering wheel locking control apparatus may include: a power supply switch configured to receive power from a battery when an ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off; and a switch unit connected to a motor, turned on when power is received through the power supply switch, and configured to lock a steering wheel through a closed circuit formed by shorting phases of the motor.

A steering system for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is provided. The steering system includes a controller that is in communication with an electric power steering system and a transmission control system. The controller is programmed to, in response to a first signal indicative of a non-verified operator and a request to operate, place the electric power steering system in a standby mode and inhibit the transmission control system from changing at least one of a transmission operational state and a transmission operational position.

A steering system for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is provided. The steering system includes a controller that is in communication with an electric power steering system and a transmission control system. The controller is programmed to, in response to a first signal indicative of a non-verified operator and a request to operate, place the electric power steering system in a standby mode and inhibit the transmission control system from changing at least one of a transmission operational state and a transmission operational position.

A steer-by-wire steering system for motor vehicles may include a primary steering level with a steering transmission device, which is arranged to subject wheels of the motor vehicle to a desired setpoint steering effect, and a secondary steering level with a safety device that provides predefined functions, so that in the case of a malfunction of the primary steering level, steering the wheels remains possible during an emergency mode. The steer-by-wire steering system may also include an authentication system with a communications interface for communications with the safety device. The authentication system may be arranged so that in the case of a successful authorization, the secondary steering level of the steer-by-wire steering system is also available after the emergency mode.

A steer-by-wire steering system for motor vehicles may include a primary steering level with a steering transmission device, which is arranged to subject wheels of the motor vehicle to a desired setpoint steering effect, and a secondary steering level with a safety device that provides predefined functions, so that in the case of a malfunction of the primary steering level, steering the wheels remains possible during an emergency mode. The steer-by-wire steering system may also include an authentication system with a communications interface for communications with the safety device. The authentication system may be arranged so that in the case of a successful authorization, the secondary steering level of the steer-by-wire steering system is also available after the emergency mode.

A steer-by-wire assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering column coupled to the steering wheel, and a fluid-flow control mechanism coupled to the steering column, wherein the fluid-flow control mechanism is configured to adjust a torque on the steering column. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a housing defining a cavity, and a flow control valve in fluid communication with the cavity of the housing. The flow control valve is configured to control a flow of a fluid in the cavity of the housing to adjust the torque on the steering wheel. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a shaft and a piston coupled to the shaft such that translation of the piston causes the shaft to rotate.

A computing device can be programmed to, upon determining that a location of a vehicle is within a set of boundaries associated with a wireless network and that a user device is authenticated to the network, authorize the user device to control the vehicle. The computing device can be further programmed to, upon determining that the vehicle is not within the boundaries, authorize the user device to control the vehicle based on transmitting an authentication credential to a server and receiving an authorization certificate.

A computing device can be programmed to, upon determining that a location of a vehicle is within a set of boundaries associated with a wireless network and that a user device is authenticated to the network, authorize the user device to control the vehicle. The computing device can be further programmed to, upon determining that the vehicle is not within the boundaries, authorize the user device to control the vehicle based on transmitting an authentication credential to a server and receiving an authorization certificate.

A biometric lock system includes a vehicle that has a driver's side door. The driver's side door has a handle and a door lock and the vehicle has a steering wheel lock. A fingerprint unit is coupled to the vehicle and the fingerprint unit is positioned on the handle. In this way the fingerprint unit reads a fingerprint when the handle is gripped. The fingerprint unit is in electrical communication with the door lock and the steering wheel lock. Moreover, the fingerprint unit unlocks the door lock and the steering wheel lock when the fingerprint matches an authorized fingerprint. In this way the fingerprint unit inhibits the vehicle from being stolen.

A biometric lock system includes a vehicle that has a driver's side door. The driver's side door has a handle and a door lock and the vehicle has a steering wheel lock. A fingerprint unit is coupled to the vehicle and the fingerprint unit is positioned on the handle. In this way the fingerprint unit reads a fingerprint when the handle is gripped. The fingerprint unit is in electrical communication with the door lock and the steering wheel lock. Moreover, the fingerprint unit unlocks the door lock and the steering wheel lock when the fingerprint matches an authorized fingerprint. In this way the fingerprint unit inhibits the vehicle from being stolen.