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Our history

The story of our success

Robert Bosch standing between his associates.

In 1886, Robert Bosch founded the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart. This was the birth of today’s globally operating company. Right from the start, it was characterized by innovative strength and social commitment.

Bosch history in two minutes

A journey through our history

“Never forget your humanity, and respect human dignity in your dealings with others.”
Robert Bosch, 1920

Company founder Robert Bosch

Robert Bosch with his sister Maria (1871).

A thirst for knowledge and a wide range of interests

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Robert and Margarete Bosch with their son Robert, (1931).

Through highs and lows

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Robert Bosch and his licensed hunter Seraphin Schöll (1941).

Always active, even in his free time

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Robert Bosch (back row, third from left) together with his associates on a company outing (1896).

“Associates” — not wage earners

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Robert Bosch

“I would rather lose money than trust.”

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View of a patients’ room at the Robert Bosch Hospital. Robert Bosch is standing on the balcony (right) (1940).

Apart from the alleviation of all kinds of hardship

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Robert Bosch is sitting with two men at an outdoor coffee table.

Liberal politics and social responsibility

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Portrait of an old Robert Bosch in a coat with a slider cap in winter outdoors.

After his death

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You can see a close-up of a historical workbench in which workpieces could be clamped.

Videos about Bosch history

Films bring history to life: Here you will find moving images of the company's founder and corporate strategies from over a century, highlights from the Bosch history exhibition, interviews with contemporary witnesses, and historical film footage.

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People are looking into a van with Bosch products at the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart.

History Blog

The history of Bosch is characterized by internationality and innovation - and of course by Robert Bosch. In our History Blog, we summarize individual aspects of our long tradition in exciting stories.

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Publications about our history

Want to order one of our free publications or download our company chronicles detailing the life of Robert Bosch and other aspects of the company’s history?

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Questions about the company’s history?

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