I have never seen it but it sounds to me like "steer-by-wire" Instead of a hydraulic or strictly mechanical system, the wheel is connected to a variable voltage source. Turning the wheel sends a voltage to a servo-motor mounted at the transom and connected to the engine. Very much like the radio control servo systems used in R/C airplanes and boats. Some automobiles already have throttle by wire where no direct mechanical connection is made between the gas pedal and engine. Only electrical, where the signal is interpreted by the computer, determining position of pedal and rate of change, plus car speed and a host of other factors to determine the correct throttle setting. Amazing things these computers!
