Bosch’s latest developments in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors are on display at CES 2016.
MEMS sensors are "the eyes and ears" of advanced technical systems and are used in tablets and smartphones.
Some of the key technologies being showcased by Bosch include an environment sensor solution, a development platform, new acceleration and yaw rate sensors, and the first-ever retrofit emergency call service adapter for cars.
“They might be tiny, but they have a big impact. They help save lives, conserve energy and make driving more relaxed: Bosch MEMS sensors are the eyes and ears of billions of electronic devices. Sensors make our daily lives more relaxed, safer and more exciting.” - Dr. Volkmar Denner, CEO - Bosch
Bosch MEMS sensors are widely used in smartphones, tablets, games consoles, vehicles, and several other devices.
These sensors are compact, sturdy and energy saving. Numerous applications in cars and consumer electronics would not be possible without the MEMS sensors.
For instance, a smartphone is capable of knowing how to display data on its screen based on which how it is turned because of the MEMS sensor.
In cars, these sensors form the core of the ESP system, thereby ensuring that the car stays safely on the road during dangerous situations.
The sensors from Bosch are getting smaller and smarter, and at the same time, are becoming more energy efficient.
These improvements will assist in creating smart home applications that will make the lives of consumers much easier, and enable companies to become a part of Industry 4.0.
Going forward, Bosch is aiming to create systems, which can absorb energy from its environment via a technique known as energy harvesting.
Market reports state that 1.44 billion new smartphones were sold in 2015. About 76 million smartwatches and fitness armbands were launched into the market in 2015, and their sales are estimated to reach 173 million by 2019. All of the gadgets mentioned here use sensors capable of evaluating numerous types of data.
“For Bosch, this means huge potential business,” - Dr. Volkmar Denner, CEO - Bosch
Bosch’s Retrofit eCall Adapter, the latest version of eCall, which is an automatic emergency call service, will be launched at CES 2016.
This adapter can be linked to the cigarette lighter socket in a car, and when the speed sensor records a collision, the adapter will trigger an emergency call.
The app on the smartphone will then be able to transmit details regarding the location of the car.
The adapter is capable of even assessing the severity of the crash, and based on that data, the next automated step is determined.
In the eventuality that the accident is serious, the control centre establishes contact with the driver to ascertain whether an ambulance or a recovery truck is required.
The emergency call system is linked to Bosch service centres, and is provided in 16 languages and more than 30 countries.
The Ambient Sensor from Bosch is designed to handle measuring, analysing and communicating the ambient conditions present in a building.
This sensor is programmed to measure numerous variables including lighting conditions, air quality, and noise levels.
The smart integrated sensor can be used in private residences and office spaces to enhance internal climate. The data gathered by the sensor is transmitted to a smartphone, along with proposed changes to factors such as lighting or ventilation.
The Ambient sensor also has excellent battery life, and can be operated as a standalone solution only.
XDK is a sensor solution with the capacity to assist developers in creating prototypes and novel applications for the internet of things (IoT).
This hardware platform offers access to several MEMS sensors and connectivity options. The software can be customised to match the given application and complement the hardware components very well.
The XDK platform consists of a number of parts such as a yaw-rate sensor, a magnetometer, an acceleration sensor, and sensors to measure air temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, digital light, and noise levels.
A microcontroller, microSD card reader, integrated antennas, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, and battery are some of the other additional features in the XDK.
The XDK Community offers a chance for developers to interact and share ideas, to partner on new project ideas, and to participate in events.
Creation of apps for smartphones and tablets is a huge challenge as the demand for smaller and energy efficient sensors is increasing.
At CES this week, Bosch are displaying the world’s first energy-efficient acceleration sensors with integrated intelligence that can be used with Android.
The new yaw-rate sensors from Bosch match up to the needs of virtual reality, mobile gaming, and augmented reality applications. Excellent picture stability and low operating costs are the other advantages of these sensors.