Automated transport: Bosch represents the key components of driving automation

• Automated driving influences the operation of all car systems and requires high professional competence from component suppliers
• Back-up dublication of the functions in critical areas such as braking and steering are mandatory
• Bosch independently produces many components for automated driving systems
• To correctly recognize the environment around the car, it is necessary to combine the data obtained from sensors of various types

​Stuttgart, Germany- automated driving significantly affects all car systems: powerplant, brake system, steering gear, dashboard, navigation and sensors. The key to success is a deep understanding all systems of the car. Few automotive suppliers around the world have the same knowledge in this field as Bosch. The leading provider of technologies and services independently produces most of the components necessary for automated driving:

Connected Horizon. Automated vehicles rely not only on data received from sensors. For such vehicles, real-time information about traffic, traffic jams and road accidents is required. You can get this information only by connecting the car to the server. For this purpose, Bosch has developed a solution in the form of a Connected Horizon system. It provides a dynamic overview of the route and adapts to the driving conditions. The Connected Horizon system allows cars to "think" in advance. This increases the comfort and safety of traffic. For example, a car connected to the server knows about dangerous sections of the road that are hidden behind the impending blind turn, and can slow down in advance.

Steering with electric drive. The key technology of automatic driving is the device of steering with electric drive. Even in emergency mode, drivers can continue to use the steering functions. The system will provide about 50% of the electric power of steering.

ESP. This system also plays a key role in automating control. Automated driving makes certain requirements for critical safety systems, such as brakes. To maintain maximum control over these functions in case of failures, backup backup systems should be provided as a precautionary measure. The electronic dynamic stabilization system and the electromechanical brake servo amplifier with iBooster technology (see below) can independently brake the vehicle without driver intervention.

HMI. Automated driving changes the system of human-machine interaction and requires modern concepts of communication between the car and the driver. The system should be understandable to the driver on an intuitive level. The innovative displays developed by Bosch already allow it to offer some promising solutions: in particular, the instrument panel with the TFT-display provides a wide range of data processing possibilities in combination with an excellent image. Using the indication system displayed on the windshield, Bosch provides the driver with speed information, navigation tips and warnings right in the field of view. This information is superimposed on the environment around the car at a virtual visibility distance of about two meters ahead of it.

iBooster. With the help of iBooster technology, Bosch has developed independent from the vacuum electromechanical  brake servo that meets the modern requirements of brake systems. It can be used for all types of powertrains and transmissions, and is particularly well suited for hybrids and electric vehicles. In iBooster, the movement of the brake pedal is recorded by the integrated pedal travel sensor and transmitted to the control unit. The block generates a signal for the electric motor, which develops the required braking force. The force generated by iBooster is then converted into hydraulic pressure through a standard brake master cylinder.

Cards. Cards. Automated driving is impossible without current maps in high resolution. They supply the car with information on the situation on the roads, for example, traffic jams or road repairs, which have not yet entered the observation field of the on-board sensors. In turn, Bosch radar and video sensors on the car also capture and transmit real-time traffic data to the server. This technology allows you to create suitable high-resolution maps for automated driving systems.

Laser sensors. In addition to radar, video and ultrasonic sensors, Bosch also uses laser sensors in its automated test cars. Different methods of sensors work perfectly complement each other. The received data are combined to provide reliable recognition of the environment. Automated vehicles use this information to develop their  traffic strategy. Bosch considers sensors an important addition to its high-tech portfolio.

Radar sensors. The main principle of the radar sensor is to provide an automated vehicle with important information about the traffic situation at a distance of up to 250 m around the car. The main task of the radar sensor is the detection of objects, their speed and position relative to the movement of the vehicle. Bosch radar sensors send frequency-modulated radio waves at 76 and 77 GHz using transmit antennas. These waves are reflected by objects that are in front of the car. 

Ultrasonic sensor. This type of sensor for automated driving is necessary, first of all, to recognize the surrounding environment from a distance of up to 6 meters and at low speeds, for example, during parking. Ultrasonic sensors operate by the echosounder method, which uses bats. They give out short ultrasonic signals, which are reflected from obstacles. The echo is recorded by sensors and analyzed by the central control unit.

Video sensor. Using a three-dimensional measurement technology, Bosch's stereo video camera provides important optical information about the environment at a distance of more than 50 meters. Both CMOS-sensors of stereovideo cameras are equipped with a color recognition system and have a resolution of 1280x960 megapixels, which allows you to process images of very high definition. The distance between the optical axes of the two lenses is 12 centimeters. The stereovideo camera recognizes objects in space and calculates the distance to them. Information obtained with a stereo video camera is combined with data from other sensors to create a model of environmental around the car.

Source: www.bosch-automotive.com