Web AssistantWho stops to wonder, when signaling at an intersection, just why the light always blinks at the same frequency? “These are things that we take for granted. The software is invisible and its importance can often be underestimated,” says Jens Liebehenschel. The 37-year-old works in the Automotive Electronics division at Bosch, developing programs for control units in vehicles. Turn signals are just one example of this work.
On Liebehenschel’s desk in his Frankfurt office there stands an inconspicuous little box measuring just 20 x 20 centimeters. This is a so-called body computer. It manages around 50 functions, from the lights to the window lifters to the air-conditioning control. The flood of data needs to be organized smoothly and the software makes this possible. “Our most important criterion is the reliability of the functions,” says Liebehenschel. Success in these efforts has given Bosch a considerable technological advantage. The EEPROM memory units and Flash modules help to store data even when the power supply fails. This has resulted in most of the 17 patent applications to which Liebehenschel has so far contributed.
The doctor of computer science joined Bosch five years ago. “I find it incredibly satisfying when our solutions actually work in a car.” The fact that such an expert speaks with this kind of enthusiasm says a lot about his respect for his work. “Actually, nobody really knows exactly how software development works. It is not a traditional engineering discipline where the laws of nature apply.” The issue is too complex for that. It is hardly surprising that the world of codes remains beyond the grasp of most laymen. Liebehenschel describes his work as “communication and mental effort.” Open discussion with customers sharpens his view of a problem, and possible solutions tend to be the result of teamwork. Because it is only by keeping abreast of trends that our advantage can be maintained, the group is called Future Software Technologies. This is where the programs of tomorrow are in development. Liebehenschel says, “Whether it is cars or projects, I want to make a difference.”
Inventors at Bosch – Jens Liebehenschel
Software for tomorrow
Tell us...
... what is your recipe for success? Why are you inventive?
It is important to discuss problems and solutions with experts. And it is important to love your job. There is also the satisfaction of seeing that the solutions you have found actually work in the car.
...what is characteristic of research work at Bosch?
On the one hand, there is the possibility of working together very closely with the divisions. On the other hand, there is the leeway you are given to think about specific problems, or indeed about software development in general.
... where do you have your best ideas?
Ideas generally arise out of discussions and when creating software prototypes, but also during leisure time.
... who is your role model, and why?
There are many people I admire, for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, there isn’t anyone I would like to copy.
It is important to discuss problems and solutions with experts. And it is important to love your job. There is also the satisfaction of seeing that the solutions you have found actually work in the car.
...what is characteristic of research work at Bosch?
On the one hand, there is the possibility of working together very closely with the divisions. On the other hand, there is the leeway you are given to think about specific problems, or indeed about software development in general.
... where do you have your best ideas?
Ideas generally arise out of discussions and when creating software prototypes, but also during leisure time.
... who is your role model, and why?
There are many people I admire, for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, there isn’t anyone I would like to copy.
