A new platform for mobility services, the Bosch Automotive Cloud Suite offers automakers and all mobility service providers a software platform plus a comprehensive toolkit for developing all kinds of services for drivers and for quickly bringing them to a wide market.
The Automotive Cloud Suite is based on the Bosch IoT (Internet of Things), and provides the technological basis for all services involving connected cars. It offers all the functions needed to connect devices, users, companies and domains on a single platform. It has individual software modules, such as a digital logbook or solutions for implementing software updates. Providers of mobility services can use them to develop a broad range of connected car services for drivers.
Below are five services that are due to become standard in every connected vehicle, starting in Europe:
1. Wrong-way driver alert
In Germany alone, some 2000 warnings about wrong-way drivers are broadcast each year. In most cases, however, the warning comes too late, since one-third of such incidents generally end after the wrong-way driver has traveled an average of 500 metres – in the worst case with fatal consequences. Bosch’s cloud-based wrong-way driver alert is designed to provide a warning within 10 seconds or so. The alert goes not only to the wrong-way driver, but to all road users in the vicinity. The service thus functions as a guardian angel in the data cloud.
2. Predictive diagnostics
Nothing is more annoying than when a car breaks down on vacation. Predictive diagnostics prevents situations where the car is unexpectedly out of commission. During regular drives, the system can analyse data and make predictions about the condition of key components. Before a part wears out, the driver is notified and receives a recommendation for the next repair shop visit.
3. Community-based parking
This service turns parking into a communal activity. As the car drives around, it uses its on-board sensors to identify and measure the gaps between cars parked at the kerb. That information flows into a digital parking map. Using smart data processing, Bosch then corroborates the information to supply a prediction of the parking situation. The digital parking map is available in the cloud for cars in the vicinity, allowing drivers to navigate straight to a vacant spot.
4. Personal assistant
The dream of having one’s own personal assistant is coming true. With this Bosch service, drivers can use voice commands to conveniently manage their appointments, ask for a wide range of information, make adjustments in their smart home, and much more, all during the drive. Over time, the assistant learns the user’s habits and preferences so as to provide even better support.
5. Software updates over the air
Software updates from the cloud are already a given for smartphones, and now, Bosch is doing the same for cars. New features, such as a more efficient driving mode for electric vehicles, can be added to the car – overnight, encrypted, and protected from hackers.
Bosch is working on a driverless system for city streets.
Check out the expected benefits of connected cars in Germany, China and the US.
