Bosch is currently developing vehicle computers for all possible automotive applications and their goal is to ultimately reduce the complexity of electronic systems.
The German tech giant has already received several billion euros worth of orders for its computers – 2.5 billion euros since last summer alone. Aside from controlling functions such as driver assistance systems, it will unveil central computers for cockpit functions and body electronics.
“Vehicle computers have huge business potential for Bosch. Even now, our high-performance computers mean that automakers view us as one of their leading engineering and technology partners,” stated board member Harald Kroeger.
The market for these systems is said to be worth about 20 billion euros, and could grow by 15 percent annually between now and 2030.
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In order to meet demand, Bosch’s new Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division, which will handle all the hardware and software engineering for vehicle computers, sensors and control units, will start operations in January 2021.
With Bosch developing computers for cockpit and connectivity functions, driver assistance and automated driving, as well as powertrain and body electronics, it will look to concentrate control over all central vehicle functions using just a handful of high-performance central computers.
One example is the information domain computer currently under development which will assume the tasks done by as many as 10 control units. Right now, some vehicles boast more than 100 control units in total, and such developments will help greatly reduce that number. Of course, less units also means less wiring, and thus fewer costs and less weight.
“Bosch vehicle computers will make it possible to master even highly complex driving functions across individual vehicle domains,” says Dr Mathias Pilin, who will take over the new Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division next month.
