Bosch annual report 2019

Cool design, low consumption, ample power — these things still count in a car. But cars’ ability to recognize their surroundings and perform maneuvers independently is gaining in importance. Two Bosch engineers explain how cars equipped with the MPC3 camera are learning to see, and how artificial intelligence is helping them.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our private lives and the world of work. Machines and software can now handle complex tasks automatically. But how can people stay in control of AI? In Silicon Valley, Bosch is pursuing a promising approach.

The south of London has an air-quality problem: like many other urban areas, it is struggling with high levels of traffic-related pollutants. A Bosch project shows how emissions can be reduced and quality of life improved.

An automation platform is paving the way for the factory of the future: if machinery is to keep pace with the new requirements appearing in ever more rapid succession, refitting it has to be as simple as putting apps on a smartphone. And this is where ctrlX AUTOMATION comes into its own.

Pedelecs are a breath of fresh air for mobility. For many commuters and city dwellers, power-assisted bikes are an alternative to the car. A Bosch innovation makes riding them even more of a breeze.

Traffic is increasing on our roads — and with it, the challenges for motorcyclists. Technical innovations help riders stay in control of the situation. Bosch radar-based assistance systems are one such innovation: thanks to them, one of the most dangerous riding situations is now considerably safer.

Longer-lasting and more powerful than their rivals, Bosch Biturbo-series cordless tools have many advantages over corded devices. This is just the equipment the extreme climber Bernard Witz needs — because on his ascents, there aren’t any power sockets.

There are some things we’ve always wished we could do without — such as searching for a space in a parking garage, squeezing into it, and then taking the often labyrinthine path to the exit. With automated valet parking, all this is a thing of the past. Cars park themselves, and return when their owners call them. All it takes is sensors, standard features, and a smartphone.

Now even security cameras can understand what’s going on. Bosch’s new Camera Trainer software uses machine learning to teach cameras to detect objects and states. This can be the basis for performing completely new, customer-specific tasks, such as counting cars or vacant parking spaces. A video analytics expert explains what the practical benefits are.

In manufacturing and logistics, more data streams can be captured than ever before. The problem is that their different formats have to be harmonized before they can be combined. Nexeed software makes this possible. The result is tangible evidence of the benefits of digitalization.

On the path to carbon-neutral transportation, Bosch favors a technology-neutral approach. The fuel cell is one element of this approach. One of the biggest challenges is how to mass-manufacture the core of the hydrogen powertrain — the stack. Together with a startup, Bosch is developing a solution.

Digitalization is making inroads into our kitchens. Our story shows how it helps lighten the workload, and how an innovative Bosch cooking pot offers improvements on a traditional dish.