Bosch Showcases Tech in Autonomous Shuttle

Robert Bosch GmbH has developed a self-driving shuttle concept that the supplier will publicly unveil at next month’s CES electronics show in Las Vegas.

The fully electric model features a variety of technologies that Bosch is readying for next-generation Level 4/5 autonomous vehicles. Earlier this year the company announced plans to partner with Daimler AG to test a self-driving shuttle service next year on public roads in Silicon Valley.

The new concept features an array of sensors, advanced software and other technologies to enable autonomous driving, connectivity and shared services. Bosch’s smartphone app can be used to book and pay for rides and to gain keyless access to the vehicle.

The open interior can accommodate four passengers with facing seats. Onboard wi-fi allows the vehicle to serve as digital assistant to riders and enables streaming content to be viewed on display screens.

An advanced camera system is designed to monitor the interior and alert exiting passengers if they leave any belongings behind. The system also can determine when the vehicle needs to be cleaned and alert a maintenance crew.

An intelligent management system calculates the vehicle’s driving range based on the battery charge, how much energy the heating and air-conditioning systems are consuming and real-time traffic congestion for the planned route. Other features include predictive diagnostics, vehicle-to-everything communication and the capability to make over-the-air software updates.