Volkswagen and Bosch Team Up to Accelerate Self-Driving Technology
Volkswagen and Bosch are joining forces to develop hands-free driving systems, deploying over 1,000 workers to catch up with Tesla and Mercedes. The partnership focuses on using sensors and artificial intelligence to bring Level 2 and Level 3 automated driving to roads by 2023.
Volkswagen is partnering with Robert Bosch GmbH to bolster its automated-driving push and catch up with competitors like Tesla on software development. VW's Cariad software unit works with the world's largest auto-parts supplier to introduce features that allow drivers to temporarily take their hands off the steering wheel starting in 2023. At peak times, this joint effort involves more than 1,000 workers from both firms.
This pact unites two industry giants in the development of automated driving, a technology that could reshape the transport sector but remains enormously complex and costly. The collaboration serves as a major boost to Germany's efforts to catch up in a field that Europe's largest economy identifies as crucial for future growth. Cariad CEO Dirk Hilgenberg states that this cooperation strengthens Germany's reputation for innovativeness in the global market.
The VW-Bosch project uses sensors and artificial intelligence tech to collect and analyze real-time traffic data for the software-development process. The immediate goal is to introduce Level 2 and Level 3 systems for hands-free driving in urban environments and on freeways, putting them in direct competition with Mercedes-Benz's recently approved Level 3 system. The companies are also examining joint targets and timelines for even more advanced Level 4 full self-driving capabilities.