Bosch project to create more computing power for automated driving

• AMALTHEA4public project with 21 partners in four countries
• Project will develop more complex software for autonomous driving
• Objective: to develop embedded systems with central processing units that work in parallel

Stuttgart – Bosch will lead a team of international technology specialists to develop more powerful computers for vehicles, allowing them to become more intelligent. The AMALTHEA4public project, which involves 21 partners worldwide, will help vehicles run more complex software needed for autonomous driving.

Currently, new vehicle contains around 70 minicomputers, known as embedded systems, which monitor and regulate certain driving functions. The trend towards automated driving means that individual computers have to run more and more software, and the overall system is becoming considerably more complex.

Delivering more power: Computing in parallel

Using several central processing units (CPUs) working in parallel gives embedded systems a major boost in computing power. Parallel CPUs are several times faster than single-core systems at the same cycle frequency.

There are two types of parallel CPU systems: multi-core processors and many-core processors. They differ by the number and connectivity of their cores; many-core processors usually have more than eight cores. Multi-core hardware has been used in desktop computers for several years now, while many-core hardware is considered to be a promising new technology for processing large volumes of data.

Setting standards and connecting developers

Currently, the programs that industry is using to develop embedded systems are not designed to incorporate parallel computing with multi- and many-core processors. To make optimum use of the new hardware, developers will have to divide the software up and assign it to the various cores. The AMALTHEA4public project team is establishing a methodology for this and setting up a comprehensive software platform. With the help of this platform, engineers will be able to efficiently develop multi- and many-core systems for their applications. The demands placed on the new hardware and software are extremely high, especially regarding quality and safety. When it comes to automated driving, human lives ultimately depend on them.

The researchers are working off of AMALTHEA, a previous project, which designed and launched a software platform for multi-core systems. They plan to expand this platform to support many-core systems, so companies can connect it with all their development tools. The researchers are also drawing from the findings of other publicly funded projects. The platform is based on Eclipse, an open-source development environment, and is available free of charge to anyone who wishes to use it. The consortium will set up an Eclipse project and community that will support the developers and keep them in touch with each other even after the project has finished. This should make the outcome of AMALTHEA4public available to a wider circle and establish it as the standard for developing embedded multi- and many-core systems.

Additional information can be accessed at:

The AMALTHEA and AMALTHAE4public websites

Contact person for press inquiries:

Thilo Resenhoeft,       
phone: +49 711 811-7088

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per April 1, 2015). The company generated sales of 49 billion euros in 2014.* Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including its sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to create solutions for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.”

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, http://twitter.com/BoschPresse

*The sales figure disclosed for 2014 does not include the former joint ventures BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH (now BSH Hausgeräte GmbH) and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (now Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH), which have since been taken over completely.