ActRide technology replaces manual adjustments with control via Bluetooth and sensors that read the asphalt in real time
Active suspension technology — historically restricted to luxury vehicles or high-cost super sports cars — is beginning to be democratized in the aftermarket. Japanese manufacturer KYB has announced the launch of ActRide, a system of semi-active shock absorbers that eliminates the need for physical tools and transfers all stability control to the driver’s smartphone screen.
The innovation aims to serve both track day enthusiasts and drivers looking for more comfort in their daily lives, filling a technological gap in the automotive aftermarket sector.
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Unlike traditional coilovers, which require the driver to get out of the car and manually turn knobs on the shock absorbers to change the stiffness, ActRide automates the process. The system uses dampers equipped with solenoid valves connected to an electronic control module.
This module processes data from internal accelerometers that monitor G-forces (acceleration, braking, and cornering) and vertical body movement, adjusting the flow of oil in the shock absorbers instantly to keep the car balanced.
After installing the kit, the user pairs the system via Bluetooth with a proprietary app. The digital interface offers a fine-tuning scale from 0 to 100%, allowing you to set the stiffness of the front and rear axles independently. The driver can, for example, make the rear more rigid for a sporty touch or soften the entire set to face uneven urban asphalt.
In addition to manual control, the system offers automatic presets — such as “Comfort”, “Normal” and “Sport” modes — and allows you to save up to three custom profiles. The technology transforms passive mechanical components into intelligent devices, allowing the same vehicle to have different dynamic behaviors without having to get your hands dirty with grease or lift the car on the jack.
