pivotsteer

Pivotsteer is a maneuver used by wheeled vehicles, particularly those with four or more wheels, to change direction by rotating around a central point. This differs from conventional steering where the front wheels are turned to guide the vehicle. In pivot steering, instead of turning the wheels, the vehicle's propulsion system is used to create a differential wheel speed. Typically, wheels on one side of the vehicle are driven forward while wheels on the opposite side are driven backward or held stationary. This causes the vehicle to rotate around an imaginary vertical axis located somewhere between the two sides.

This method of steering is most commonly associated with vehicles that have individual wheel drive, such as some tracked vehicles or specialized wheeled robots. It allows for a very tight turning radius, enabling the vehicle to turn in place or even maneuver in confined spaces where traditional steering would be impossible. The effectiveness and precision of pivot steering depend on factors like tire traction, the vehicle's weight distribution, and the control system managing the individual wheel speeds. While not a standard feature on most road vehicles, it is a valuable technique in applications requiring high maneuverability, such as agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and robotic platforms.