Jubilee of the anti-lock system: 40 years of Bosch ABS

In 1978, Bosch launched mass production of an electronic anti-lock braking system, developed in partnership with automakers.

• Anti-lock system reduces braking distance and maintains vehicle drivability during emergency braking.
• ABS served as the basis for the development of other active safety systems.
• For 40 years, Bosch has released about 457 million sets of ABS and ESP.

Reliable braking has always been a key component of safe driving. However, the use of excessive braking force leads to wheel locking. Because of this, the car becomes unmanageable and can go into a skid. To combat wheel locking during braking, in 1978, Bosch first introduced and launched into mass production the anti-lock braking system ABS, developed in partnership with automakers.The action of the system is based on recognition by electronic means of the beginning of blocking at an early stage and reduction of pressure on the brake disc according to a certain algorithm. As a result, the car remains manageable even in case of emergency braking on the road with any type of coverage. Thanks to this, the driver can go around obstacles and stop the car without collisions. For 40 years, the ABS system has prevented a huge amount of accidents, having a significant positive impact on road safety. In addition, the appearance of ABS allowed us to increase the life of the tires, since the operation of the system prevents their uneven wear when braking on locked wheels.

As is the case with most innovations, the first models, in the equipment of which ABS was included, belonged to the premium class. So, one of the first cars with ABS were Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7th series. In a short time, the system became more accessible and entered into equipping models of more massive segments - first as an option, then as standard equipment. By 1990, about six million cars around the world received ABS production company Bosch. The impact of the system on improving road safety was so obvious that the leading manufacturers undertook to introduce ABS into the standard configuration of all passenger vehicles produced from mid-2004. Since the beginning of 1991, new trucks weighing more than 3.5 tons and buses with more than 8 seats in Europe can be registered only if there is an ABS system in them. Later, Bosch developed an anti-lock system for motorcycles, which in some cases prevented serious accidents involving wheel locking during braking.

Continuous development of ABS Bosch

Bosch ABS consists of three main components: a speed sensor on each wheel, an electronic control unit and a hydraulic modulator. At the moment when the speed sensor informs the control unit of the imminent wheel locking, the unit sends a signal to the hydraulic modulator to reduce pressure in the corresponding contour of the brake system, preventing the wheel from locking.

For the past 40 years, Bosch has continuously developed the ABS system. During this time, the components of the system have become more compact and efficient at the same time.The emergence of ABS has served as the basis for the development of modern active safety systems and driving assistance assistants.  First came the traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilization system (ESP®). Today, Bosch is developing not only electronic and hydraulic systems, but also components such as brake fluid. The new types of fluids obtained as a result of the company's research, such as Bosch ENV6, meet the growing requirements for the braking systems of modern cars. The fluid of the new type ENV6 simultaneously has a low viscosity and a high boiling point. This feature will allow to improve braking systems in the future.

Reducing the cost of components due to localization of production

Bosch, a leading global provider of technology and services, seeks to reduce the cost of automotive components for customers by localizing production.