CES: Bosch previews connected car services

PARTS manufacturer Bosch is banking on the ‘internet of things’ (IoT) as the next major step in the automotive landscape, revealing new connective technologies at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The futuristic showcar on display emphasises user interaction and interior over anything more conventionally vehicle related such as an engine or transmission, but previews Bosch’s vision for users to stay constantly connected – no matter where they are.

According to Bosch board of management member Dr Werner Struth, “the vehicle will play a central role in cross-domain communication” thanks to the vehicle utilising the Bosch Central Gateway communication control unit, allowing it to talk with infrastructure, homes and other vehicles.

The connected technology will help the vehicle with self-driving capabilities by being able to read traffic signals and position of other vehicles, but can also utilise other applications including booking itself into a repair shop for maintenance.

Bosch also provides the example of the connected vehicle being able to scan and broadcast parking data to other vehicles to essentially ‘predict’ where a parking location might be.

According to Bosch: “When driving along the street, the car detects gaps between parked cars. The data gathered is then transmitted to a digital street map. High-performance Bosch algorithms assess the plausibility of the data and make forecasts on the parking spot situation.”

The company has already started testing the system with Mercedes-Benz in the German city of Stuttgart.

Other technologies envisioned in a future vehicle interior include facial recognition software which can detect different users and adjust settings such as seat position, radio station preferences and climate control temperatures accordingly, gesture commands to control vehicle features, and cloud-based services allowing for scheduling and productivity tasks on the go.

During the German company’s press event at CES, Dr Struth said connecting cars to the Internet will transform them from simple transportation machines into something that will aid with day-to-day life.

“The connected world is getting emotional,” he said. “Devices are becoming intelligent companions that make everyday life easier and safer at home, in the city, in the car and at work.”“Bosch is working diligently to make sure that mobility and smart services become one.

“If the car is connected to the smart home or the smart city via the cloud, there be measurable benefits. Connectivity is turning the car into an assistant on four wheels.”