In this paper we use an approach based on sliding mode control to desi
gn a feedback which stabilizes the origin for the so-called nonholonom
ic integrator or Heisenberg system, a particular case of a canonical c
lass of nonlinear driftless control systems of the form x = B(x)u whic
h fail Brockett's necessary condition for the existence of a smooth st
abilizing feedback.