Innovative steering system for the aCentauri solar vehicle with recirculating ball bearing guides

We at HA-CO are proud to support such an ambitious and forward-looking project as the aCentauri Solar Racing Team at ETH Zurich. But what exactly is behind this project - and what contribution are we making?
When technology-enthusiastic students combine their passion for sustainability, innovation and speed, great things happen: the aCentauri team develops solar racing cars for international competitions in an interdisciplinary collaboration - including the famous Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, in which over 3,000 km are covered across Australia. The vehicles run exclusively on solar energy - a masterpiece of efficiency, lightweight construction and engineering.
With the new “Silvretta” vehicle, the team will be at the starting line in 2025 - lighter, more efficient and more aerodynamic than ever. You can find more information about the project at: www.acentauri.ch
HA-CO technology in action: our KUS series as a steering guide
For a solar car to drive not only efficiently but also precisely and reliably at high speeds, every component must be optimally thought out. The steering of the front wheels in particular presented the aCentauri team with a technical challenge: it had to be designed to be as light, stable and low-maintenance as possible.
This gave rise to the idea of using a linear guide instead of conventional solutions. As a specialist in recirculating ball bearing guides, we at HA-CO provided the perfect solution with our KUS series:
- High load capacity and rigidity
- Low deflection thanks to solid profile rail
- Compact, lightweight design - ideal for racing
The initial tests in the prototype were promising - now we hope that “Silvretta” can also impress on the Australian tarmac.
We are keeping our fingers crossed for the aCentauri Solar Racing Team - Hopp Schwiiz!