According to Michael Bolle, Bosch board of management member, “AIoT offers enormous potential. We are already unlocking this potential and plan to expand our efforts in the future.” Under the tagline “Sustainable #LikeABosch,” the company presented intelligent, sustainable solutions for health, living, and mobility at the virtual tech trade fair CES 2021.

Among the innovations Bosch introduced at the tech show is the world’s first self-learning AI sensor for wearables and hearables in fitness tracking. Since the AI runs on the sensor itself (edge AI), there’s no longer any need for an internet connection during an exercise session – this improves energy efficiency and data privacy. The company also presented a sensor that measures factors such as air quality and relative humidity. This delivers information about aerosols’ concentration in the air – data that has become especially important in the fight against the coronavirus. Bosch security cameras help in the battle against the virus. AI makes it possible for them to execute a wide array of customer-specific applications. For example, a new camera solution with integrated intelligent video analysis measures body temperature contactless, anonymously, and with high precision – with a maximum deviation of half a degree. Moreover, using a software solution for the open camera platform of the Bosch startup Security and Safety Things, these cameras can detect whether the number of people in a shop complies with the prevailing coronavirus restrictions. This platform was designated a 2021 CES Innovation Award Honoree, making it one of four Bosch solutions singled out this year. Another premiere was a portable haemoglobin monitor that can detect anaemia by means of a finger scan. The device is particularly well suited for regions that have insufficient access to medical care. Equipped with AI, the haemoglobin monitor delivers a result within 30 seconds – no lab test or blood draw necessary.

Sustainable #LikeABosch: Bosch as a pioneer in climate action

A study recently published in Germany indicated that AIoT could go beyond health applications to support climate action as well. The study found that comprehensive digitalisation in mobility, manufacturing, and building technology could help get the country nearly halfway to achieving the Paris Agreement emissions targets (source: Accenture).

Here is where Bosch takes a hand: its tagline for this year’s CES – “Sustainable #LikeABosch” – expresses one aspect of the company’s entrepreneurial responsibility. The #LikeABosch image campaign’s sequel highlights how everyone can do their part to protect the environment with sustainable products. Bosch itself is leading by example: according to in-house calculations, all the company’s 400 locations worldwide have been carbon neutral since 2020. Bosch is the first globally operating industrial enterprise to achieve net-zero carbon emissions regarding its energy and energy sources externally. “The next step for Bosch is to address emissions along the entire value chain, from procurement to product use,” Bolle says. In that vein, Bosch is the first automotive supplier to join the Science Based Targets initiative with a specific and ambitious goal: by 2030, to cut upstream and downstream CO2 emissions by 15 percent. The Group’s achievements in climate action have won recognition outside the company as well: the non-profit Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has added Bosch to its A List.

Through its advisory company Bosch Climate Solutions, founded last year, Bosch shares its experience as a climate action pioneer with other companies. The Bosch startup markets several solutions, including the cloud-based energy platform, which applies intelligent algorithms to reduce machines’ energy consumption and thus increase production processes’ efficiency. The company has already deployed the platform at more than 100 locations, making a major contribution to improving energy efficiency – the main lever in the company’s efforts to go carbon neutral.

Digital, Sustainable

As this example shows, digitalisation is paving the way for sustainability. “We want to be the leading AIoT company in every area that we operate in,” Bolle explains. Trust in AI is the most important prerequisite for it to become established to improve people’s lives and help limit climate change. To this end, Bosch relies on industrial AI, which explains the physical world to machines – instead of teaching them how to behave like people. Nonetheless, this requires ethical guidelines. To set them, Bosch has drawn up an AI code of ethics that centres on the idea that humans always retain control.

In addition to improving energy efficiency in manufacturing, the company is systematically adding connectivity to its products for buildings and mobility to help consumers save energy. One of these products is an energy manager that the company offers for use in private homes. When combined with a heat pump and photovoltaic system, the manager can cut energy consumption by up to 60 percent. In the mobility sphere, drivers of electric vehicles can benefit from services such as Battery in the Cloud, which uses smart software analysis to reduce battery wear by up to 20 percent.

In general, the combination of electrified and automated driving with personalised and connected services will open up a broad field for software applications. Vehicle computers are central to Bosch’s efforts to extend its leading role in software-intensive electronic systems.

To meet this demand, the new Cross- Domain Computing Systems division and its 17,000 associates started operations at the beginning of the year. In this unit, Bosch combines its capabilities in hardware and software engineering for vehicle computers, sensors, and control units for all vehicle domains. This reduces complexity in vehicle development and will get new functions on the road significantly faster.

On The Moon

From earthbound roads to activities in space: whereas last year’s CES saw the premiere of the SoundSee AI sensor system for the International Space Station, this time Bosch set its sights on the moon. As part of NASA’s Tipping Point programme, it is joining forces with the companies Astrobotic and WiBotic as well as the University of Washington to develop smart, autonomous navigation and wireless charging technologies for robots that explore the lunar surface. Starting in 2023, these shoebox-sized lunar robots, called CubeRovers, should be able to move autonomously across the moon and also find their way back to their docking stations. Bosch researchers working on Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley projects are contributing their expertise in AI-based intelligent data analysis and wireless connectivity solutions. The resulting findings will flow into the further development of Bosch AIoT solutions back on earth.

All this clearly shows how much potential AIoT offers, as well as the key role sustainability, plays in it. “Only companies that pursue sustainability today and unlock the enormous potential of AIoT, will be successful tomorrow,” Bolle added. (MT)

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Japanese auto major Nissan Motor Corporation has announced a world-first in automotive engineering by adopting cold spray technology to manufacture valve seats for a new turbocharged engine.

This innovation is being introduced in the company's third-generation e-Power hybrid powertrain, which debuted in the new Qashqai compact crossover produced at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the UK.

The new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is specifically designed to generate electricity for the e-Power system. By using cold spray technology, Nissan engineers can spray a durable metal coating directly onto the cylinder head, eliminating the need for a separate, traditional valve seat. This allows for an optimised port design that enhances air flow and combustion efficiency, raising the engine's thermal efficiency to 42 percent.

Unlike conventional methods like fusion welding, the cold spray process bonds metal powders at supersonic speeds without melting them. This results in a superior, highly durable coating with excellent adhesion.

The first vehicle to feature this groundbreaking technology is the Nissan Qashqai, which began production in July. Following this, the new e-Power system is slated for future models, including the next-generation Rogue for North America and the all-new Elgrand minivan in Japan.

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Ashok Leyland has announced plans to invest over INR 50 billion in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries. The move is part of the company's strategy to become a key player in India's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and support the government's vision for a sustainable, green economy.

The investment, to be rolled out over the next seven to 10 years, will enable the company to produce batteries for its own electric vehicle portfolio, as well as for the broader automotive and energy storage sectors.

To facilitate this, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term, exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a leading Chinese battery technology firm. The agreement was signed by Ashok Leyland’s Managing Director & CEO, Shenu Agarwal, and CALB’s CEO, Jacky Liu.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India in full alignment with Government’s vision. Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles in India and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “In the initial phase, the new battery business shall focus on automotive sector, and then move to non-automotive areas as well, including energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will be created to serve as a hub for research and development, fostering innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”

This partnership is the latest in a series of investments by the Hinduja Group in electrification, which also includes electric vehicles, mobility-as-a-service, charging equipment, and vehicle financing.

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Affordable Robotic and Automation (ARAPL) has appointed Meru Cabs Founder Neeraj Gupta as its Strategy and Growth Advisory Director.

Gupta brings over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and leadership experience. He built Meru Cabs into a mobility brand with a customer base of over 15 million users and a fleet of over 20,000 vehicles. Meru operated at major airports and offered both inter- and intra-city services. He sold his stake in Meru in June 2021 to the Mahindra Group. Before Meru, in 2000, he founded V-Link Tours & Travels, which grew to be one of the largest enterprise mobility companies in India.

Milind Padole, MD, ARAPL, said, "We are delighted to welcome Neeraj on board. I found in Neeraj the same madness and passion to build a robotic company as mine – one that can be scaled on the world map. His proven expertise in building scalable business models and navigating disruptive industries will strengthen our strategic vision. We are undergoing a transformative stage that requires the right partners to take the ARAPL journey to the next level. Having an advisor with such rich experience as Neeraj will further enrich the company’s growth plans ahead."

Gupta's understanding of scaling businesses, customer-centric innovation and partnerships will provide direction as ARAPL accelerates its growth.

"I am excited to join ARAPL at this crucial juncture in its growth journey. With its strong foundation in robotics, proprietary technologies and international presence, led by Milind and team’s vision, ARAPL is well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities in automation across industries. I look forward to working with the leadership team to unlock new growth avenues and create long-term value."

ARAPL has demonstrated innovation in robotic welding, multi-level car parking, warehouse automation and AI-based robots. With Gupta’s insights, the company aims to expand its footprint in Europe, the Middle East and the US. It also plans to increase its presence in sectors like autonomous logistics and port automation.

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Porsche is set to bring a new level of entertainment to its vehicles through a collaboration with AirConsole, a leading in-car gaming platform. The new Porsche Macan, arriving later this year, will be the first model to feature a curated library of multiplayer games, transforming car rides into a shared entertainment experience.

The integration allows passengers to use their smartphones as controllers to play a variety of games on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. When the car is parked, all passengers, including the driver, can participate. While on the move, gaming is restricted to the front passenger display, ensuring the driver remains focused on the road. The system uses Porsche’s integrated screen privacy features to keep the display safe and distraction-free.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO, AirConsole, said, “Our collaboration with Porsche is a powerful signal of how quickly AirConsole is scaling in the automotive industry. In just two years since launching our in-car platform, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s most respected car brands, now including Porsche. This momentum confirms that gaming has a meaningful place in the future of mobility, and we’re proud to be leading that evolution.”

To access AirConsole, users can simply download the app from the Porsche App Centre. Passengers then connect their smartphones by scanning a QR code on the screen, with no need for additional hardware. The platform supports up to five players, allowing for both collaborative and competitive sessions.

AirConsole specialises in casual, short-session games that are optimised for the in-car environment. The growing catalogue includes popular titles like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Overcooked, and UNO Car Party!, ensuring a wide range of options for passengers.

The AirConsole platform will be available in the new Macan starting at the end of this year, rolling out in all markets where Porsche Connect is offered, with the exception of China.

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