ALPS Electric Now Developing Proprietary Drive-by-Wire System; Haptic Commander Applied to Aging Technology

TOKYO--April 26, 2004--ALPS Electric (Pink Sheet:APELY) will show its proprietary drive-by-wire system at the ALPS SHOW 2004 to be held in the Hiten Room of the New Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo for three days from May 2, 20046, 2004. This system uses haptic technology to artificially generate different tactile feedback for each of an automobile's computer control operations through its force feedback function. The system will be demonstrated at the ALPS SHOW using a simulated auto cockpit and remotely controlled car.

Systems that operate automobiles and aircraft by means of computer-controlled electronic signals instead of direct action on control devices are called "X-by-wire" systems. For instance, previous systems used hydraulics to operate control surfaces when the pilot of an aircraft manipulated the joystick. In fly-by-wire systems, the action of the joystick is converted into an electronic signal used by a computer to control the movement of aircraft control surfaces and the operation of other equipment.

Today, most automobiles are operated by mechanical steering systems that transmit steering-wheel movement to the wheels by means of shafts and gears. However, in response to demands for greater safety, we are beginning to see the increasing use of drive-by-wire systems that employ computer control.

These mechanical systems convey haptic information on road-surface conditions to the driver through the mechanical linkage between wheel and steering wheel. A drive-by-wire system controls the information on road-surface conditions conveyed to the driver, thereby enhancing safety. In addition, the steering yoke required in mechanical systems is eliminated, allowing greater freedom in design of steering systems and auto interior layouts. This reduces the number of chassis and body components, contributing to reductions in vehicle weight.

One problem with computer control of steering systems is that, because operational information is conveyed by means of electronic signals, there is no mechanism for feedback of information to the driver on actual road-surface conditions, vehicle status, and cautionary information. ALPS turned to the capabilities of haptic technology to solve this problem and further improve safety by eliminating such deficiencies. Employing the force feedback technology of the Haptic Commander(TM), ALPS' drive-by-wire system conveys required information to the driver in tactile form. For instance, feedback on irregularities in the surface of an unpaved road is transmitted via movement of the steering wheel, while information on the gradient of a hill is conveyed via an increase or decrease in the resistance of the accelerator pedal. Further, the use of haptic technology allows the communication of cautionary information to the driver, such as a warning that he has deviated from his lane, is following too closely, or has become drowsy, the system conveying information to the driver in the optimum tactile form through vibration or cessation of operation.

At the ALPS SHOW 2004, a practical demonstration of ALPS' proprietary drive-by-wire system using haptic technology applied to steering wheel, gearshift lever, and pedal -- the "Haptic Steering Wheel," "Haptic Stick," and "Haptic Pedal," respectively -- will be provided through the use of a simulated auto cockpit with these three components installed to remotely control a car.

* ALPS' haptic devices employ Touchsense(TM) Technology under license from Immersion Corporation. Touchsense(TM) is a registered trademark of Immersion Corporation.

Outline of ALPS Electric Co. Ltd. (http://www.alps.co.jp)

Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments -- Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics -- which are contributing to the advance of a digital society.

ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 60 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2003 amounted to 601,816 million yen.