Millions of drivers impacted as Volkswagen and Bosch embark on a groundbreaking partnership
Volkswagen and Bosch's New Automated Driving Technology Set for Series Production in 2026
Volkswagen and Bosch are set to revolutionise the automotive industry with their new automated driving technology, set to be available for series production vehicles starting from mid-2026. This technology is based on an advanced AI-powered software stack designed for Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving, enabling drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in various driving situations.
The key features of this system include an AI-powered software stack that uses modern artificial intelligence to enhance perception, interpretation, decision-making, and action processes for driving functions that behave more naturally and safely. The scalability and integration of this technology are also noteworthy, with Volkswagen planning to integrate this software into its new architecture for software-defined vehicles, and Bosch offering the scalable solution to other manufacturers worldwide to promote broad adoption.
The system primarily targets SAE Level 2 and Level 3 automation, allowing automated handling of acceleration, braking, and steering under specific conditions. This technology aims to improve convenience and safety by allowing hands-off and in some cases eyes-off driving. The first versions of this technology are being tested and developed daily using large amounts of real-world data to improve performance before wider production use.
The technology also features an end-to-end AI architecture, where all modules are enhanced continuously by AI to provide more powerful and intelligent driving assistance. The software analyzes urban traffic scenarios and anticipates the behavior of road users, with AI being central to the entire software-tech chain for the new driving functions, including object recognition, sensor fusion, and secure control commands for drive, steering, and braking.
Cariad CEO Peter Bosch believes that drivers can gain valuable time in their car with automated driving systems. He sees data and AI as the key to widespread use of automated driving systems. Bosch also plans to offer the software architecture to other manufacturers worldwide.
The electric compact car ID.1 is still considered a possible launch model for the automated driving technology. The first models with this technology could hit the market as early as 2027. This move could potentially increase the international reach of VW's technology, with tests being conducted in Europe, Japan, and the US.
VW's goal is to make the comfort and safety of automated driving systems accessible to as many people as possible. The jointly developed software platform for automated driving systems, set to be available for series vehicles by mid-2026, is being tested and potentially expanded for global use. VW and Bosch are continuing to work together on the technical implementation of the automated driving technology.
[1] Volkswagen Group. (2021). Volkswagen and Bosch to develop software platform for automated driving systems. [online] Available at: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/news/2021/volkswagen-and-bosch-to-develop-software-platform-for-automated-driving-systems-1639761
[2] Bosch. (2021). Volkswagen and Bosch to develop software platform for automated driving systems. [online] Available at: https://www.bosch-press.com/gb/en/archive/2021/volkswagen-and-bosch-to-develop-software-platform-for-automated-driving-systems
[3] Reuters. (2021). Volkswagen and Bosch to develop software for automated driving systems. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-bosch-develop-software-autonomous-driving-systems-2021-09-21/
- The collaboration between Volkswagen and Bosch is bringing innovation to multiple industries, particularly finance, technology, automotive, and transportation, as they develop a software platform for automated driving systems.
- Bosch's scalable and integrative software solution, designed for Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving, will not only be implemented into Volkswagen's vehicles but also offered to other manufacturers worldwide, impacting the global automotive industry.
- With its focus on urban traffic scenarios, AI-powered sensor fusion, object recognition, and secure control commands for drive, steering, and braking, this new technology aims to improve both convenience and safety in the finance sector (through the reduced likelihood of accidents) as well as transportation and automotive industries.
