Research prototype

has unveiled a research prototype vehicle that demonstrates the company's patent pending electromagnetic linear actuation technology.

Ricardo claims the technology offers a low cost route to ‘robust and highly efficient’ Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) and dry Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) vehicles. Such vehicles are said to be capable of delivering increased fuel economy and lower emissions.

The development vehicle unveiled on 28 July is based on an Opel Corsa 1.2l petrol automated manual transmission in which the control and actuation system of the original Easytronic system has been replaced with Ricardo's patent-pending electromagnetic linear actuator technology.

Ricardo further claims that the technology is sufficiently versatile and controllable that it can be multiplexed in order to operate the clutch control and gear selection functions.

In the research prototype vehicle the eAMT system demonstrated: two-pedal vehicle automation at low cost, owing to a significantly reduced parts count through use of a single electromagnetic actuator in place of separate clutch and gear actuator units; opportunities for reduced size and weight; and controllable actuator force of up to 800N peak and 350N continuous.