The present invention is directed to a road condition estimation apparatus for
estimating a road condition for use in a vehicle having a steering control unit
for actuating a device mechanically independent of a manually operated steering
member to steer at least a wheel of front and rear wheels. The apparatus includes
an actuating signal detection unit for detecting an actuating signal for actuating
the device of the steering control unit, an aligning torque estimation unit for
estimating an aligning torque produced on the wheel on the basis of the actuating
signal detected by the actuating signal detection unit, and a vehicle state variable
detection unit for detecting a state variable of the vehicle. The apparatus further
includes a wheel factor estimation unit for estimating at least one of wheel factors
including a side force and a slip angle applied to the wheel on the basis of the
vehicle state variable, and a grip factor estimation unit for estimating a grip
factor of at least a tire of the wheel, in accordance with a relationship between
the estimated aligning torque and the estimated wheel factor.