Latest news with #Pfeffer
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Steering technology towards better vehicle dynamics
Until autonomous cars become mainstream, which some argue is a really long time away, if at all it happens, the steering wheel isn't going away and the vehicle steering system will continue to see technology development. 'I don't think that the steering system is disappearing in the next 30 years,' Dr. Peter Pfeffer , CEO, MdynamiX , and Professor, Automotive Engineering , Munich University of Applied Sciences. A joystick could also replace the steering wheel, but at the system level there's a change happening, and that's software replacing hardware. Steer-by-wire technology is set to be the next big thing in steering system engineering. 'A lot of OEMs have large projects to get the steer-by-wire in mass production. Some of them stopped the game because of the economic pressure, but some others are still working,' says Dr. Pfeffer. ADAS and vehicle dynamics With the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) trend increasingly gaining traction, vehicle driveability, handling and comfort, or vehicle dynamics in other words, is attracting more attention. That's also leading to more hardware-in-loop (HIL) testing. The HIL test benches, linked to the driving simulators, can help gauge and calibrate the steering feel and brake feel on the driving simulator. 'This is a new trend, and a lot of people say that then driving simulator makes really sense, because then we can calibrate the systems like steering system, brake system, lane keeping system and so on, and make the evaluation of the tyres too,' says Dr. Pfeffer, who's also a global expert in steering systems and vehicle dynamics. The Pfeffer Steering System designed by Dr. Pfeffer is a well used conceptual framework for engineering vehicle dynamics, with a special focus on steering behaviour and its effect on droveability. It was first developed as a "very large research project" for BMW, which focused on strong driving dynamics as a brand attribute, with also a tagline of 'Sheer Driving Pleasure'. The German luxury car major's goal was to find objective targets for steering feel. They wanted to develop the steering feel with virtual methods. 'And here one part was to make this evaluation of the steering system with test drivers, subjective evaluations, and the other side was the objective evaluation. And the next step was that we want to produce these objective values out of the simulation tools. And this was the driver of this development,' explains Dr. Pfeffer. Good steering feel or feedback is key for a better driveability or driving experience. Will a drive-by-wire system be able to match the experience of a mechanically linked steering system? Yes, according to Dr. Pfeffer. He says, 'We made such a car, in partnership. It was also used for racing, and the feedback from race drivers was very, very positive, but this is not in mass production. It was just some first prototypes.' Autonomous, ADAS tech will see gradual progression Autonomous Driving is one of the key global megatrends but its progression has significantly lagged behind other megatrends such as electrification, Connected Vehicles. Assisted driving in the form of ADAS tech is paving the path for it, but time will have to be invested too for the requisite technology maturity. 'When you look back, the first ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) was launched around 2000, and now 70 or 80% of cars in Germany are equipped with this system. It has taken more than 20 years (for the tech) to get to a maturity level, and the same will be for lane keeping tech which started later. So it takes time,' says Dr. Pfeffer, who is confident that Autonomous Driving will 'of course' become a reality. Role of Industry-Academia collaboration In an increasingly technology-intensive, disruptive era, automotive industry players have to innovate and develop technologies faster than ever before. In such a scenario, the value of or need for industry-academia collaboration may be stronger than ever. Dr. Pfeffer, who also had a stint at Audi as a chassis and NVH engineer, many years ago, believes that it's important for academia to be in tune with the trends and needs in the industry landscape. 'The big benefit of having worked in industry is that you know what the industry is needing, and you are not teaching stuff which is not for any use in the industry,' says Dr. Pfeffer, who also points out that in Germany it's essential for an individual to have industry work experience to apply for professorship. Academicians-led enterprise Dr. Pfeffer, and his core teammates at MdynamiX also form an interesting example of academicians and entrepreneurs at the same time. Peter Pfeffer, Bernhard Schick, Stefan Sentpali, and Markus Krug, all professors, came together to form MdynamiX, an engineering firm specialising in ADAS/AD, UX, vehicle dynamics, steering & brakes and NVH, in 2014. Why did a group of professors form an engineering firm when they could have done developmental projects in their labs? 'Because there are so many PhD theses, tons of papers written, there's so much knowledge in this. But development engineers don't have time to read the PhD for the whole day or so. And so to make it easier to use them, we said, okay, we have to develop easy to use products and software out of the best ideas,' says Dr. Pfeffer. MdynamiX also has an academy automotive engineers are trained to use such methods. Given the growing ADAS trend in India and the opportunities arising thereof, the Munich based MdynamiX has also established an India presence with a joint venture with Delhi based Automotive Test Systems . To get more insights and also discuss the various vehicle dynamics related topics with Dr. Peter Pfeffer, be at the 6th ETAuto Tech Summit, where the technologist and academician will participate as a Keynote Speaker.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Man predicted own murder in chilling Facebook post one day before he was tied up and shot
Sean Pfeffer, 45, said 'I hope you shoot me' in a furious Facebook post about his alleged killer just a day before his body was found in the back of a pickup truck in California's Santa Cruz Mountains A man named his alleged killer in a chilling Facebook post just a day before he was found dead in a remote area. The bodies of Sean Pfeffer, 45, and Colter White, 53, were discovered in the back of an abandoned pickup truck in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California on April 24. Both men were found to have been tied up with rope and shot. On Monday, officers from California Highway Patrol announced that James David Collier, a 66-year-old from the small town of Boulder Creek, had been arrested "without incident" over the weekend, and is being held at Santa Clara County Jail on two charges of murder. Now, a final social media post by Sean Pfeffer written the day before he died has emerged. In it, Mr Pfeffer, who worked as a mechanic in Boulder Creek, claimed that he had invited a man named James Collier to the area - but suggested he had since become a problem and had begun pressuring his cousin. He wrote: "If today isn't work out know that it was James Collier the piece of crap that I invited to this mountain that still hasn't left it and is working the f*** out of my f****** cousin,' he said. "I'm rolling down there right now Jimmy, I hope you shoot me." On the following day, March 23, highway patrol officers responded to reports of two bodies in the area, and found them underneath a 1988 Harley Davidson motorbike, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Court documents alleged the motorcycle had been taken to the scene by tractor. Detectives and crime scene investigators from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office were also at the scene, and a coroner's report issued three days later officially classified the incident as a double homicide. It found Mr Pfeffer was killed by a "'gunshot wound of the left chest" while Mr White was killed by "gunshot wounds" to his "torso and left upper and lower extremities." Police have not stated what they believe to be the motive for the killing, though local reports said it could have centred around Collier's refusal to leave a property that was being put up for sale. On April 9, a swat team and detectives raided Collier's home, using the evidence to arrest him for double homicide on Sunday. California Highway Patrol's Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand said in a statement: "I want to commend our detectives for their incredible dedication and exceptional investigative efforts in bringing a suspect into custody in this tragic case. "The successful outcome would not have been possible without the outstanding partnership of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. "We are grateful for their collaboration and unwavering commitment to justice."
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Daily Mail
California man's Facebook premonition of his own murder came to pass... but cops found a second body alongside him
A California man was found dead alongside his friend just one day after he posted a chilling premonition to Facebook naming his alleged murderer. Sean Pfeffer, 45, and his friend Colter White, 53, both of Boulder Creek - a small mountain community in Santa Cruz - were found shot to death and bound by rope in the bed of an abandoned pickup truck on March 24, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said. The day before, Pfeffer, a local mechanic, took to his Facebook page and named the man he said was responsible for his death. 'If today isn't work out know that it was James Collier the piece of crap that I invited to this mountain that still hasn't left it and is working the f*** out of my f****** cousin,' he said. 'I'm rolling down there right now Jimmy I hope you shoot me,' he wrote in what would be his final post. On April 9, the CHP SWAT team and detectives searched Collier's home before 'using evidence' they found to arrest him in connection to the double homicide on Sunday. Pfeffer and White's bodies were found by a resident who noticed the truck in front of his property with a motorcycle left in the back. On March 23, Pfeffer named his killer, James Collier, and called him a 'piece of crap' They were discovered under a 1988 Harley Davidson along with other items, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Investigators believe the motorcycle was dumped on the bed of the pickup truck by a tractor, according to court documents reviewed by the outlet. One of the men was found with a rope tied around his neck with multiple gunshots in his back, court records said. The other victim was discovered bound by his feet with gunshot wounds to his left thigh, left arms, lower back and the back of his neck, the records detailed. Though it is unclear why Collier allegedly took their lives, prosecutors believe the dispute had to do with him not cooperating with an eviction, per court records. An unidentified property owner appeared to want to sell a residence Collier was living in but he was not cooperating. It is unclear how Pfeffer and White, a carpenter, were involved in this reported dispute, but Ring doorbell footage captured two men discussing how they were going to 'take care' of Collier before grabbing a baseball bat on their way out, prosecutors said in the court records. Along with their bodies, a baseball bat was found inside the truck, per court documents. Collier, a local road maintenance employee, said he was challenging a property owner so he could remain at his home, but he denied killing the two men. He also denied any self-defense related to their slayings, records showed. Detectives found a piece of glass inside Collier's home that matched the truck Pfeffer and White were found in. Dirt below the glass 'presumptively' tested positive for blood, according to investigators. An unnamed person also told detectives that he admitted to killing the men after they threatened to enter his home, according to records. Collier is currently being held in Santa Clara County jail without bail. He is expected in court Wednesday afternoon. Following the double tragedy, Pfeffer and White's loved ones took to social media to pay their respects. Nick Dorris, Pfeffer's sister, shared a loving image of them and said: 'Goodness I miss you so much Sean!' She added: 'The memories flood in fast and unexpectedly throughout my day and I don't know how to stop crying and missing you so much! My baby brother, my first best friend! I miss you Seanypoo!' Others took to his Facebook and wished him a happy birthday on April 1. 'Sean happy birthday. I can't believe your not a phone call away I miss you and will never understand why there are so many things I wish I would have told you,' one wrote. Another loved one thanked him for 'leaving that Facebook post' before he died. 'Sean, I hate that this happened to you but thank you for leaving that Facebook post. James Collier was denied bail and arraignment is Wednesday afternoon. Love you forever and ever,' she wrote. White has been remembered as a loving husband and a 'dedicated father of five,' according to a GoFundMe page. 'His death which has been ruled a homicide has left his family and friends in shock and disbelief. Obviously, no one can plan for,' it read. White was the sole breadwinner for his family, as well as their 'protector and the light of their lives,' the page continued. The funds are set to go toward his grieving family. As of Wednesday morning, more than $2,000 was raised.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Boulder Creek homicide victim named suspected killer before death
(KRON) — A Boulder Creek man was charged with first-degree murder in connection to a double homicide in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Two men were found deceased in the back of a pickup truck along Highway 35 near Castle Rock State Park in Santa Clara County on March 24. Both men had been shot to death, according to the California Highway Patrol. Family members identified the victims as Colter White, 53, and Sean Pfeffer, 45, Lookout Santa Cruz reported. CHP detectives launched an investigation and identified 66-year-old James David Collier as the prime suspect. Pfeffer named his suspected killer in a Facebook post the day before he was found dead. On March 23, Pfeffer wrote in his last Facebook post, 'If today isn't work out know that it was James Collier the piece of c**p that I invited to this mountain that still hasn't left it. I'm rolling down there right now Jimmy I hope you shoot me.' Prosecutors believe that the two victims were murdered on March 23, court records show. Pfeffer's post also said Collier was over-working his cousin, but he didn't include details about what the job was for. Pfeffer lived in a small cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains, according to his Facebook profile. White and Pfeffer were close friends, family members told Lookout. On April 9, a CHP SWAT team and the Golden Gate Division Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team served a search warrant at Collier's Boulder Creek home in Santa Cruz County. Investigators found enough evidence to arrest Collier Sunday morning. Collier was booked into a Santa Clara County jail and charged with two counts of murder, according to a criminal complaint filed by the district attorney's office. 'This case highlights the strength of our law enforcement partnerships in protecting our community, especially in the rural areas of our county where jurisdictions overlap,' said Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert Jonsen. 'We are grateful for the collaboration that led to the capture of the suspect and for helping ensure the safety of our residents.' CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand said, 'I want to commend our detectives for their incredible dedication and exceptional investigative efforts in bringing a suspect into custody in this tragic case.' Collier is scheduled to make his first court appearance in the Hall of Justice on Monday afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
24-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Teen introduces program to Cambridge that helps the planet with plant-based meals
A teen is introducing an initiative in Cambridge, Massachusetts that she hopes can help the planet with a simple change that starts with people's diets. Seventeen-year-old Ruti Pfeffer is leading the "Eat for Impact" program this month, hoping to better the environment with planet-conscious meals. "For me, the thing that started it was, I care about how the animals are treated in our food systems, but for some people that's really about the environment," said Pfeffer. The junior at Meridian Academy worked with city leaders and restaurants to include more plant-based menu options for the month of March with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "I think it's super important because of how much plant-based eating can reduce our emissions," she explained. Eat for Impact Cambridge is one of five initiatives happening around the world this month. Others are taking place in New Jersey, Nigeria, France, and the Netherlands. City leaders were happy to get on board with the program and support the teen. "Including more fresh, local produce and plant-based foods in meals helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type II diabetes. We are looking forward to the partnerships between 'Eat for Impact' and restaurants here in the city," the manager of the public health nutrition services at the Cambridge Public Department Bridget DeVeau, said in a statement. Base Crave is one of the restaurants adding new climate-friendly meals this month. "Since she called, we are now offering basil tofu and eggplant basil paneer," said restaurant owner, Bhola Pandey. Pandey told WBZ-TV that the cafe already has an extensive vegetarian menu, but the program is a good reminder that what we eat and how food is sourced and prepared has a larger impact. "This is the only planet we have," added Pandey. "Food is basically all medicine. What you eat makes you." Both Base Crave and Pfeffer hope their efforts will inspire diners to make small daily choices to better their health and the health of the planet. "Hopefully, these restaurants will keep the wonderful dishes they've created because truly they look so amazing," said Pfeffer. Base Crave says they plan on keeping their newly designed dishes on the menu permanently. "Let's encourage people to eat more vegetables," concluded Pandey. The "Eat for Impact" program in Cambridge was made possible with the help of the non-profit Planted Society. At the end of the month, a climate report on the program's impact will be published to highlight the restaurant's greenhouse gas savings. According to Planted Society, past initiatives have reached an average of 600,000 individuals, sparking conversations and driving awareness. For more information about "Eat for Impact", click here .
