COPERATION BETWEEN BOZZIO, DSM, BERN UNIVERSITY AND DYNAMIC TEST CENTER BRINGS SAFER MOBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

The joysteer® X-by-wire system with precision gears made of Stanyl® PA 46 resin from DSM Engineering Plastics is now in commercial production for the handicapped market and available from car modification companies in Switzerland, Germany and the Benelux. This rapid development from prototype to successful commercialisation was achieved by the Swiss company Bozzio within record time of just three years. In this period, Bozzio obtained the strictest level of safety approvals for the European market (TÜV approval according to ECE-R 13H braking system and ECE-R 79 steering system), making joysteer®x-by-wire commercially available to provide people with a disability a user-friendly solution to drive a car with safety and confidence. This is the first system with such a high safety level.

Matthias Hell, Bozzio CEO, explains “We are proud to have brought to commercial production this important advance for people with a handicap offering them greater mobility. Our patented joysteer® X-by-wire system is the end result of intensive cooperation by material supplier DSM Engineering Plastics, Bern University for Applied Sciences, Dynamic Test Center (crash test) and many others.”

Bozzio now foresees a host of potential applications for their patented X-by-wire system in special-purpose vehicles, such as municipal and agricultural vehicles, unmanned vehicles, areas requiring a high degree of reliability and safety. As Hans Wennekes DSM, Business Development Manager Stanyl, states “This patented technology made available by Bozzio opens new opportunities for Stanyl polyamide 46 (PA46) resin in wide scope of special purpose vehicles.”

The joysteer® system

The gears sets made from Stanyl polyamide 46 (PA46) resin in joysteer® X-by-wire system translate the driver’s steering movements into vehicle control. Two joysticks are mounted and coupled electronically to the vehicles steering mechanism. The driver’s movement of the joysticks is computed by joysteer® and the data sent to the control module that turns the steering column and thus steers the car. The Stanyl gears are part of the steering actuator module. Stanyl polyamide 46 (PA46) resin fulfils the essential requirements for dimensional stability, low wear and the ability to absorb vibration and noise. Stanyl polyamide 46 (PA46) resin has an extra strong crystalline structure which makes it highly suitable for demanding automotive and electronic applications. To get an impression of the system’s capabilities please see movie www.joysteer.ch/uploads/media/joysteer_OnTheRoad.wmv

DSM Global Gear team

As well as supplying the resin for the gear system, DSM Global Gear team supported the development of joysteer® X-by-wire system with technical expertise in gear train design, in-depth tribology, materials development, processing and market insights. In addition, DSM together with forteq-group teamed up the total supply chain which enabled functional gear train prototypes to be produced in the shortest possible time. DSM’s global gear team which was set up to offer value-added services in application and business development to support gear application operates in Europe, USA and the Asia/Pacific region.

Bozzio AG

The X-by-drive system was initiated by the Swiss organisation for people with disabilities (ASRIM) and developed by Bern University of Applied Sciences. In 2006, the spin-off company Bozzio was set up to take up the process of obtaining TÜV approvals and to commercialise the system. Working with recognised automotive suppliers, Bozzio is supplying mechatronic components to car modification companies. In close cooperation with two car modifiers in the Netherlands and Switzerland, Bozzio has conducted all driver tests with disabled people. In 2009, final homologation was achieved and the first cars are now on the road. The target volume in Europe is 300 systems in 2012. More information on: www.bozzio.ch

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Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of quality engineering thermoplastics providing customer value through sustainable solutions that reflect the DSM People, Planet and Profit strategy. DSM Engineering Plastics delivers innovative opportunities for customers who design or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. These markets are served with a broad portfolio of high performance materials including Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stanyl® high heat 46 polyamides. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced the first new polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl® ForTii™ and EcoPaXX™, a bio-based, high performance engineering plastic. DSM Engineering Plastics had sales in 2009 of EUR 648 million and employs some 1600 people worldwide More on: www.dsmep.com

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DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about € 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information:www.dsm.com.