CES 2016: Tiny sensors, big impact: Bosch high-tech components for the internet of things
- Bosch MEMS sensors can be found in three out of four smartphones
- Retrofit emergency call adapter for cars
- New environmental sensor solution: improving air quality in any building
- XDK sensor platform makes developing IoT solutions easier
- New generation sensors for smartphones, wearables, and virtual reality
At CES 2016 (6-9 January) Bosch is showcasing its newest developments of Bosch microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. MEMS sensors are the eyes and ears of modern technical systems and can be found in smartphones and tablets. Bosch’s latest technologies include new acceleration and yaw-rate sensors, an environment sensor solution, a development platform for internet of things (IoT) applications and the world’s first retrofit emergency call service adapter for cars.
“They might be tiny, but they have a big impact. They help save lives, conserve energy and make driving more relaxed: Bosch MEMS sensors are the eyes and ears of billions of electronic devices,” said Bosch CEO Dr. Volkmar Denner, speaking during the company’s press conference at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. “Sensors make our daily lives more relaxed, safer and more exciting.”
Found in vehicles, smartphones, games consoles, tablets and countless other devices, Bosch MEMS sensors are small, robust, smart and energy saving. Without them, a host of applications in both consumer electronics and cars would not be possible.
For example, it is thanks to MEMS sensors that a smartphone knows the way to display the information on its screen depending on which way it is turned. While in cars, sensors are the centrepiece of the ESP system, helping to ensure the vehicle remains safely on the road in critical situations.
New sensor applications – from the smart home to Industry 4.0
Bosch is making sensors not only smaller but also smarter, while making them as energy efficient as possible. The improvements pave the way to offer smart home applications that make consumers’ lives easier, and for companies to join Industry 4.0. Future plans include systems that draw energy from their environment through a process called energy harvesting.
In 2015 alone, 1.44 billion new smartphones were sold. While smartwatches and fitness armbands are rocketing in popularity: some 76 million arrived on the market in 2015 and sales are set to reach 173 million by 2019. All these devices feature sensors that evaluate all kinds of information. “For Bosch, this means huge potential business,” Denner said.
Retrofit emergency call service for cars: sensors are smart guardian angels
At CES 2016, Bosch is unveiling the Retrofit eCall Adapter – a brand new version of eCall, the automatic emergency call service. The adapter connects to the car’s cigarette lighter socket and when a speed sensor registers that a collision has occurred will place an emergency call, while smartphone app passes on information such as the car’s position. Even the severity of the crash is analysed, and that information is used to determine the next automated step. In the case of a serious accident, the control centre attempts to make contact with the driver to establish whether a recovery truck or an ambulance is needed. If the driver does not respond, paramedics are dispatched immediately. Connected to Bosch service centres, the emergency call system is available in 16 languages and over 30 countries.
New environment sensor solution: giving buildings a climate makeover
Bosch’s Ambient Sensor is a smart sensor solution capable of measuring, analysing and communicating ambient conditions in buildings. The variables it measures include air quality, lighting conditions and noise levels. The integrated sensor helps improve the climate in office spaces and private homes. It can send its readings to a smartphone and recommend changes to things such as ventilation or lighting. Its long battery life is a further advantage. The Ambient Sensor can not only be integrated into building automation systems but also operated as a standalone solution.
XDK sensor platform makes developing IoT products easier
XDK is a sensor platform that allows users to develop prototypes and new applications for the internet of things (IoT). The hardware platform provides access to various MEMS sensors and connectivity options and the software can be tailored to fit the given application and complements the hardware components perfectly. It features a range of components including an acceleration sensor, a yaw-rate sensor, a magnetometer and sensors to measure atmospheric pressure, air temperature and humidity, noise levels and digital light. Other features include Bluetooth and wi-fi connections, a microcontroller, integrated antennas, microSD card reader and battery. The XDK Community gives developers the chance to exchange ideas, collaborate on new project ideas and take part in events.
New motion and yaw-rate sensors for mobile gaming, wearables and virtual reality
With the expectation for sensors to be as small and energy efficient as possible and to deliver even better performance, apps for smartphones and tablets can be a daunting challenge. The battery has to last as long as possible, but it is also crucial that users can quickly access the app they want. At CES Bosch is demonstrating the first acceleration sensors to be compatible with Android and feature integrated intelligence while also being energy saving. Bosch’s new yaw-rate sensors have been developed to meet the requirements of mobile gaming, augmented reality and virtual reality applications. What is more, they combine low operating costs with high picture stability.
Bosch – pioneer of MEMS technology
Bosch is both a pioneer and the world’s leading manufacturer in MEMS sensors, The company developed the underlying semiconductor manufacturing process in house and has been producing the sensors on an industrial scale for more than 20 years. Bosch holds more than 1,000 patents and patent applications relating to MEMS technology. To date, more than six billion MEMS sensors have left the company’s state-of-the-art wafer fab in Reutlingen, Germany; with more than four million emerging every day. Today’s vehicles feature more than 50 MEMS sensors and Bosch sensors can be found in three out of four smartphones worldwide with 75 percent of Bosch MEMS sensors used in consumer electronics applications.
Press photos: 1-BCDS-21829, 1-BCDS-21830, 1-BCDS-21831, 1-BST-20778, 1-AE-20856-e, 1-AE-20855
Simply.Connected.
Visit Bosch at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA:
Tuesday, 5 January 2016 (all times local)
- 8:00 to 8:45 a.m.
Press conference with Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, at Mandalay Bay Hotel, South Convention Centre, Level 3, Banyan Rooms A-D.
Thursday, 7 January 2016
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Conference track: The Internet of MEMS and Sensors
Panel: “Wearables and Smart Sensors Advancing User Interface”
Dr. Horst Muenzel, CEO and general manager, Akustica
Venetian, Level 4, Marcello 4404
Friday, 8 January 2016
- 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Conference track: Exploring Tomorrow's Automotive Mobility Ecosystem
Panel: “Implications for Players in Tomorrow's Mobility Ecosystem”
Dr. Rolf Nicodemus, project vice president, Connected Parking,
Robert Bosch GmbH, Las Vegas Convention Centre, North Hall, Room N261
6-9 January 2016 – Bosch booths
- Focus on smart homes, smart cities, and Industry 4.0 in the Smart Home Marketplace, Sands Expo Centre, booth #71517
- Focus on connected mobility in the North Hall, booth #2302
Follow the Bosch CES 2016 highlights on Twitter: #BoschCES
Contact person for press inquiries:
Rianne Ojeh: 01895 838 822, Rianne.Ojeh@uk.bosch.com
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.
