What is an “active pedal” in sim racing?
Quick summary· AI-generated
The article defines active-pedal technology as a paradigm shift that transforms pedals from input-only devices into two-way haptic systems capable of real-time force feedback. Simucube ActivePedals use high-precision motors and telemetry-based software to simulate phenomena like ABS, traction loss, and (future) brake fade. The key distinction is that active pedals can push back on the driver with fully digital control, adapting pedal feel dynamically based on tire grip, road conditions, and car setup—something passive pedals cannot do. Future API integrations promise expansion of this capability across third-party sim software.
Excerpt from Simucube US
We saw the need for a fully software-controlled force feedback pedal. So, we did what Simucube does best — brought the first ever active pedal to the market in 2022, another one in 2024, and have witnessed thousands of sim racers use them daily for some time now. We decided to share with you what we know now — what truly matters to sim racers. Here’s what we’ve learnt — and this is how we define what an active pedal means.
Active pedal technology is a paradigm shift in simulator and controller technology, turning pedals from controllers into full two-way haptic devices. Traditional – passive – pedals only register input, but an active pedal provides real-time feedback, allowing the driver to feel the car’s behavior underfoot. Simucube ActivePedals lead this space, giving sim racers real clarity and control. They are the first sim pedals in sim racing history that let you define exactly how your pedals should feel. To understand the unique advantages of an active pedal, it’s useful to compare it with traditional pedal technologies. The table below highlights the key difference:
Passive pedal “Input device” Haptic pedal reactor “Haptic display” Active pedal “Haptic device”
Common misunderstanding is, that an active pedal is just a more advanced brake. It’s not. It’s a whole new kind of device. Unlike a passive pedal, which measures how hard you press it, an active pedal pushes back and can be 100% controlled digitally. As someone put it, ‘it talks to you’. It reacts in real time, and can simulate ABS, traction loss, and in the near future even brake fade and dynamic resistances—just like in real cars. Pedal feel and roles can change between brake, accelerator, and clutch – depending on the vehicle you select. Simucube ActivePedals support car based automatic profiles switching for each individual pedal since Simucube Tuner 2.5. Active pedal uses high-precision motor, force curves, and telemetry-based software-controlled feedback loop to achieve the functionality. That means pedals have the ability to feel different depending on tire grip, road conditions, or car setup. That is true simulation – and it has pushed simulation game developers to create new methods to simulate these dimensions in their software. We are hard at work in defining a more sophisticated API (Application Programming Interface) with 3rd party software developers — and we can tell you that this technology is just getting started. Future updates will expand integration with major…
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