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Bosch sensor platform turns robots into real movement talents

05.01.2026

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch sensor platform turns robots into real movement talents

Las Vegas, NV – At the pulsating heart of the robotics revolution and the rapidly expanding world of Extended Reality (XR) lies a silent, yet indispensable technology: MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors. Much like the complex senses that guide living organisms, these tiny, sophisticated devices serve as the foundational pillar, endowing machines with the crucial ability to perceive and understand their own motion and orientation. This spatial awareness transforms complex algorithms into fluid movements and immersive digital experiences.Three new high-end sensors for the growth market At CES® 2026, Bosch Sensortec introduces the BMI5 platform, a new generation of inertial (acceleration and gyroscope) sensors designed to provide high-precision performance with ultra-low noise to capture every nuance of motion across multiple device classes. Built on a shared hardware foundation and adapted through intelligent software, the platform launches with three variants – BMI560, BMI563 and BMI570. The BMI5 family products are addressing the premium segments of consumer electronics device manufacturers, building the base for the growing MEMS sensor market. According to market research and strategy consulting company Yole Group, this market with Bosch as the market leader, is expected to grow to more than 19.2 billion USD by 2030, with an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2030) of 4 percent.* To meet the high-volume serial production demands, the cleanroom area in its own Bosch wafer fab in Reutlingen, Germany was expanded from approximately 35,000 square meters to over 44,000 square meters by the end of 2025. Specific solutions for diverse applications The BMI560 sensor makes virtual and augmented reality experiences feel incredibly real. It precisely tracks head movements with almost no delay, allowing users to interact naturally in 3D environments. Advanced image stabilization helps smartphones and action cameras capture clear, shake-free photos and videos, even on the go. The BMI563 is handling vibrations and extreme movements, making it ideal for robots that need to navigate precisely or for controllers in virtual reality that track every subtle hand gesture. It helps these devices understand their surroundings and movements with exceptional accuracy. For example, Bosch's new MEMS sensor helps a humanoid robot find the right way, even if the camera lens is covered by an object. The BMI570 enhances smartwatches and wireless earbuds. Compared to its predecessor, the new platform delivers a doubled measurement range. This enables the detection of an even wider array of movements and gestures, particularly those in dynamic forms. For hearables it provides accurate head-orientation data for immersive 3D audio experiences. This means music or calls can sound like they're coming from a specific direction, reacting to how the user is moving. Technical AI excellence paired with responsible innovation An Edge-AI classification engine helps the device stay “always on” by recognizing movement patterns directly inside the sensor. This uses less power, makes reactions faster, and adds smart benefits — like automatic activity detection on a smartwatch without the user needing to interact. Across all variants, the BMI5 platform meets Bosch Sensortec’s highest ecological standards to date, combining technical performance with responsible innovation. This unified architecture enables device makers to streamline cutting-edge and at the same time a sustainable development across product lines. With the BMI5 platform, we are strengthening the foundation for the next generation of motion-aware devices...said Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. “Our customers benefit from a consistent level of precision, robustness and exceptional performance across all variants - enabling responsive XR systems, reliable robotics and intuitive wearables. The platform combines technical excellence with responsible innovation, reflecting our core Bosch values of quality and sustainability supporting a wide range of applications with a single, scalable architecture. And this was just the beginning. The BMI5 family continues to grow, with more variants already in the pipeline.” *Source: Status of the MEMS Industry 2025 report, Yole Group. Availability: Samples are now available for direct customers, and the complete product line-up will go into high-volume series production from Q3 2026 onwards.

Bosch unveils cutting edge Smart Connected Sensors platform for full-body motion ...

08.01.2024

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch unveils cutting edge Smart Connected Sensors platform for full-body motion ...

Las Vegas, Nevada / Reutlingen, Germany – Unlimited access to a personal feedback coach? That's the dream of many fitness and gaming enthusiasts. With the brand new Smart Connected Sensors platform, Bosch Sensortec ensures that movements and repetitions are not only measured, but that users get qualitative feedback on the movement execution. Specifically designed for full-body motion tracking, this new platform provides a fully integrated hardware and software solution that dramatically cuts development costs and time to market.Business customers wanting to integrate sensors in their designs are often faced with time-consuming and complicated tasks, combining and tweaking multiple devices to create the necessary hardware and software system. There is no sensor solution available on the market right now that provides wireless and ready-to-use full-body movement feedback. To meet this need and save developers precious time and effort, Bosch Sensortec provides business customers with the full package: BHI380, a programmable IMU-based sensor system using AI functionality. A wearable reference design (certified CE, FCC, ISED, MSIT, SRRC, MIC, NCC, UKCA) that can be straightforwardly attached to any part of the body without having to handle cable clutter, an external camera or dedicated bodysuits. Software features including gesture and activity recognition, body movement detection, relative body angle information, as well as a feedback coach. Multiple applications in rehabilitation, fitness and gaming The possibilities are almost endless. Key use cases will include rehabilitation, fitness, and gaming according to the motto “Move. Prove. Improve.” The Smart Connected Sensors platform provides complex feedback that enables users to properly perform rehabilitation exercises at home, thereby supporting their faster recovery. For highly responsive gaming applications, motion sensors will provide intuitive, accurate control by tracking even the tiniest movements. In the area of sports and fitness, the motion sensors can be used for complete body movement detection, for example to give detailed feedback on how well high-intensity exercises are performed. The sensors communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy and thus do not restrict users' movement. Thanks to the platform principle, the system can be connected to numerous applications, such as wearables, hearables and AR/VR headsets. Engineers will find the Smart Connected Sensors platform easy to use and simple to scale, easily incorporating additional sensors and capabilities into their existing designs. Importantly, the platform enables up to eight nodes with various Bosch Sensortec sensors to be neatly connected to a central node, including Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), magnetometers and pressure sensors. “For applications using Smart Connected Sensors, our new platform significantly reduces the amount of effort required from designers, enabling them to cut time to market and focus more on their specific expertise,” said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO at Bosch Sensortec. For applications using Smart Connected Sensors, our new platform significantly reduces the amount of effort required from designers, enabling them to cut time to market and focus more on their specific expertise...said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO at Bosch Sensortec. The sensor platform provides qualitative feedback based on integrated AI features and comes with a pattern creation software tool that helps customers customize their system design. By using this tool, the customer retains control over their data, as there is no need for regular data exchange with Bosch Sensortec. Availability: Smart Connected Sensors is available on direct request.

A new dimension of acceleration: Bosch launches world’s smallest MEMS accelerome ...

08.01.2024

Press release

Internet of Things

A new dimension of acceleration: Bosch launches world’s smallest MEMS accelerome ...

Las Vegas, Nevada / Reutlingen, Germany – Space is at a premium in hearables, smartwatches and other portable consumer products, and all components must be as small as possible. At the same time, OEMs are demanding plug-and-play step-counters and other sensors with built-in features that enable easy implementation without detailed application knowledge. To meet these challenges, Bosch Sensortec has announced the BMA530 and BMA580, the world's smallest MEMS accelerometers. Both devices include built-in features making them easy to design with. BMA530 tracks activities with its step counter and is especially suitable for wearables, and BMA580 targets hearables with voice activity detection.Compared to Bosch's current generation accelerometer (BMA253), the BMA530 and BMA580 have a 76 percent smaller footprint and have been reduced in height from 0.95 mm to 0.55 mm. This size reduction is achieved with an innovative Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP). The small size of the accelerometers makes them easy to place on a PCB, and their integrated features make them easy for design engineers to integrate into their portable products. "The demand for tiny sensors with ever-increasing performance is growing as the industry moves towards more stylish and minimalist designs that require smaller sensors," said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "The new BMA530 and BMA580 provide an ultra-compact, fully-featured solution to meet this demand." The demand for tiny sensors with ever-increasing performance is growing as the industry moves towards more stylish and minimalist designs that require smaller sensors. The new BMA530 and BMA580 provide an ultra-compact, fully-featured solution to meet this demand. ...said Stefan Finkbeiner, General Manager and CEO of Bosch Sensortec. Bone conduction for reduced power consumption The BMA580 provides innovative voice activity detection and an advanced feature set for hearable devices. Typically, microphones in hearables consume a lot of power because they need to be always-on to listen for voice activity. Instead, the BMA580 uses bone conduction to detect the vibration of the user’s voice and then wakes the microphone from sleep – for an overall power saving. No other sensor on the market combines bone conduction with this miniature sensor size. The BMA580 enables user interaction with a hearable in response to the user tapping the device, for example to answer or end a call. The sensor’s software includes an algorithm that can distinguish between single, double and triple taps. In addition to wearables, the new BMA530 acceleration sensor is ideal for gesture recognition in toys, fall detection in laptops and other devices, and power management functions such as putting a smartphone to sleep when it is not moved. The new accelerometers offer multiple power modes and automatically switch from low-power to high-power modes to extend battery life. They offer a flexible set of connectivity options, including an I3C® interface. Availability: The new acceleration sensors from Bosch Sensortec can be ordered at our distribution partners from Q1 2024 onwards.

Bosch barometric pressure sensor raises the bar for accuracy and performance in  ...

05.04.2022

Press release

Smart Home

Bosch barometric pressure sensor raises the bar for accuracy and performance in ...

Bosch Sensortec introduces the BMP581, a barometric pressure sensor that couples low power consumption with extreme accuracy to provide altitude tracking in wearables, hearables or IoT devices. This capability makes it ideal for applications such as fitness tracking, fall detection, indoor localization and navigation, enabling new use cases that were previously impossible."Building on the excellent performance and low power consumption of previous generations of Bosch sensors, our new BMP581 now delivers an entirely new level of accuracy", says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec. "It’s breathtakingly accurate: it can measure a barometric pressure fluctuation that's equivalent to one-thousandth of the weight of a mosquito (7.6 μg)." This extreme level of accuracy enables the sensor to detect an altitude change of just a few centimeters. It can, therefore, monitor movement in fitness applications down to the level of individual pull-ups or push-ups, and can provide highly accurate location information for indoor localization, navigation, and floor detection to provide key data for emergency call requirements (E-911) . The sensor can noticeably improve flight stability and landing accuracy in drones, and help detect water levels in household appliances to avoid flooding. Building on the excellent performance and low power consumption of previous generations of Bosch sensors, our new BMP581 now delivers an entirely new level of accuracy...Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO at Bosch Sensortec Low power consumption coupled with high accuracy The BMP581 provides an excellent relative accuracy of +/-0.06 hPa and a typical absolute accuracy of +/-0.3 hPa. Full accuracy is available over a wide measurement range from 300 hPa to 1100 hPa. The BMP581 has a typical temperature coefficient offset (TCO) of just +/-0.5 Pa/K and low RMS noise of 0.08 Pa @ 1000 hPa (typical). Long-term drift over 12 months is only +/-0.1 hPa. Compared to BMP390, the previous generation of Bosch barometric pressure sensors, the BMP581 draws 85% less current, noise is 80% lower, and TCO is reduced by 33%. Typical current consumption of just 1.3 μA at 1Hz substantially extends battery life, while the deep standby mode draws only 0.5 μA. The sensor provides an I2C, I3C and SPI (3-wire/4-wire) digital, serial interface. The BMP581 is provided in a compact 10-pin LGA package shielded by a metal cover, measuring just 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.75mm 3 . Virtual unveiling event: Watch the video to find more detailed information and application examples for the new sensor and to get an insight into the product's development. https://www.bosch-sensortec.com/unveil/event/ Availability: The BMP581 is available now and offers a strong price-performance ratio.

CES 2020: Bosch raises the bar when it comes to artificial intelligence

06.01.2020

Press release

Business/economy

CES 2020: Bosch raises the bar when it comes to artificial intelligence

Las Vegas, NV, USA – Whether for automated driving, the smart home, or manufacturing: artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of everyday life. Bosch uses AI and the internet of things (IoT) to make life easier for people and as safe as possible. Here, the slogan “Beneficial AI. Building trust together” sums up the technology and services company’s approach. The focus is on safe and robust AI for the manufacture of smart products, which Bosch will be showcasing at this year’s CES. One of these products is the Virtual Visor: an AI-based digital vehicle sun visor that will be making its debut at the world’s largest trade fair for consumer electronics. The product has also won a CES® Innovation Award, as has Bosch’s 3D display for the car.Other Bosch AI highlights at the show include an application for predictive maintenance of the International Space Station, a system for monitoring vehicle interiors, and a smart platform for medical diagnostics. “The solutions we’re showcasing at CES make it clear that Bosch aims to become an innovation leader in AI as well,” says Bosch management board member Michael Bolle. “As of 2025, every Bosch product will either contain artificial intelligence or will have been developed or manufactured with the help of AI.” The global market volume for AI applications is expected to be around 120 billion dollars over that same period, a twelvefold increase compared to 2018 (source: Tractica ). Bosch wants to tap into that potential: the company already invests 3.7 billion euros each year in software development, currently employs more than 30,000 software engineers, and has 1,000 associates working on AI. In addition, Bosch has established a comprehensive training program. “We plan to make nearly 20,000 associates AI-savvy over the next two years,” Bolle explains. “We must invest not only in artificial intelligence, but in human intelligence as well.” The program includes training formats at three different levels for managers, engineers, and AI developers and includes guidelines for using AI responsibly. To that end, Bosch has drawn up its own set of AI principles that address issues of AI security and ethics. With this in combination with its expertise, the company intends to build trust with customers and partners alike: “Anyone who has internalized technical and ethical principles knows how important data security and sovereignty are,” Bolle says. “In a way, trust is the product quality of the digital world.”Expertise saves lives In the future, Bosch believes one core area of expertise will be the industrial application of artificial intelligence. “We want to harness the power of artificial intelligence not for the purpose of creating models of human behavior, but instead to improve technology to benefit people,” Bolle says. “For this reason, industrial AI has to be safe, robust, and explainable.” According to Bosch, that means people should always remain in control, whether on the street, at home, or in manufacturing. As a pioneer in the development of life-saving driver safety systems such as ABS, ESP, and airbag control units, the company has already proved in the past that people benefit from reliable machines. AI can also make driver assistance systems even more efficient and intelligent: when Bosch’s AI camera for automated driving identifies partially concealed pedestrians, for example, the automatic emergency braking assistant can react even more reliably. Bosch is creating learning technology that is “Invented for life.”Bosch invests 100 million euros in an AI campus Innovations require investment. In addition to spending on software development, Bosch is investing worldwide in people and in competence centers. For example, the company is investing 100 million euros in the construction of a new AI campus in Tübingen, Germany. The move into the new research complex is planned for the end of 2022. It will then offer some 700 AI experts space for creative and productive exchange. These experts come from Bosch, external startups, and public research institutions. The new campus should strengthen exchange among experts in Cyber Valley. “Building trust together” will be a living reality there. Bosch is a founding member of Cyber Valley , which was established in 2016. This joint research venture brings together partners from industry, academia, and government to drive forward AI research and quickly transfer research findings into real-world industrial applications. In addition, the Bosch Center for Artificial Intelligence (BCAI) operates at seven locations worldwide, including two in the U.S.: in Sunnyvale, California and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The BCAI currently has a total of some 250 AI specialists working on more than 150 projects in the domains of mobility, manufacturing, smart homes, and agriculture.World-first Virtual Visor originated in the U.S. Bosch has creative AI minds developing product innovations for mobility, the smart home, and Industry 4.0. Its AI world first for the automotive sector, which is celebrating its world premiere in Las Vegas, originated in the U.S.: the Virtual Visor, which is a transparent digital sun visor. A transparent LCD display connected to the interior monitoring camera detects the position of the driver’s eyes. Using intelligent algorithms, the Virtual Visor analyzes this information and darkens only the portion of the windshield through which the sun would dazzle the driver. The Virtual Visor scored the highest in its category at the CES Best of Innovation Awards. Bosch’s new 3D display won its category as well. Using passive 3D technology, the display generates a realistic three-dimensional effect for images and alerts. This allows visual information to be grasped faster than when displayed on conventional screens, increasing road safety. Additional safety comes from Bosch’s new interior monitoring system for vehicles. It detects when the driver is drowsy or looks at a smartphone based on eyelid movements, direction of gaze, and head position – and alerts the driver to critical situations. It also monitors the vehicle interior to determine how many occupants are present and where and in what position they are sitting. This makes it possible to optimize the operation of safety systems such as the airbags in an emergency. In 2019, Bosch sales of driver assistance systems rose by 12 percent to around 2 billion euros. They are paving the way for automated driving. In the future, when vehicles are in partially automated driving mode for sections of the journey such as on the freeway, the driver monitoring system will become an indispensable partner: In these situations, the camera will ensure that the driver can safely take the wheel again at any time. By 2022, the company will have spent around 4 billion euros on automated driving and will employ more than 5,000 engineers. To round out its sensor portfolio in this domain, Bosch is now working on making lidar sensors production-ready as well. In addition to radar and cameras, lidar is the third essential sensor technology. The Bosch long-range lidar sensor can also detect non-metallic objects at a great distance, such as rocks on the road.Bosch AI used in space and in medicine The company is aiming high with its SoundSee sensor system, which was sent into space at the end of 2019. Riding on NASA’s autonomous flying Astrobee robot, SoundSee will isolate unusual sounds on the ISS, analyze the audio using AI-driven analytics, and indicate when maintenance is necessary. Starting in early 2020, audio data captured by Soundsee will be delivered to a ground control facility configured to meet NASA specifications and built into the Bosch Research Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The system, which is barely bigger than a lunchbox, was developed in the U.S. together with Astrobotic as part of a NASA research collaboration.A completely earthbound but no less innovative product is Vivalution, a smart pathology platform that helps in medical diagnosis. Vivalution magnifies specimens like blood and other bodily fluids, digitizing the microscopic findings, and analyzing them with the help of artificial intelligence-powered algorithms. It is capable of precisely and rapidly identifying cell anomalies and providing physicians with useful support in evaluation and diagnosis.Smartglasses Light Drive make everyday glasses smart Bosch is also showcasing many non-AI innovations at CES. For example, its Light Drive smartglasses module is the world’s first sensor-based solution for making a normal pair of glasses smart. It is more than one-third thinner than other solutions on the market and weighs less than ten grams. The crystal-clear images projected into the wearer’s field of vision, which are clearly discernible even in direct sunlight, range from navigation information and text messages to calendar entries and operating instructions – depending on the information received from a smartphone or smartwatch. At CES, Bosch is using its IoT shuttle technology showpiece to present the solutions that the company offers automakers and mobility service providers for the electrification, automation, connectivity, and personalization of ridesharing vehicles. Its portfolio goes beyond components to include seamlessly connected mobility services that give users flexibility in how they operate, manage, charge, and maintain their fleet vehicles, as well as making each journey safe. At the Bosch booth, visitors can also see improved drive and sensor technologies for the connected and emissions-free mobility of the future.Solutions for the entire house: expanded portfolio for residential IoT Bosch is expanding the scope of its services for the residential internet of things (IoT). The highlight here is the open Home Connect platform, which is being showcased at CES. Starting in mid-2020, the platform’s app will also offer control of lighting and shade, entertainment, and smart gardening equipment from different manufacturers. The number of partner companies, which is currently at 40, is set to more than double, making life at home even more convenient and efficient.Smart technology protects the environment Underlying all these innovative products is Bosch’s entrepreneurial mindset. “We want to harmonize commercial, environmental, and social responsibility,” Bolle says. Climate protection is also a major concern here. According to Bolle, “Bosch not only develops environmentally friendly solutions, but also acts as a role model. By the end of 2020, all our 400 locations worldwide will be climate neutral and from development to manufacturing to administration no longer leave a carbon footprint. We’ve already achieved this for our German locations.” Artificial intelligence plays a role here, too: at individual locations, for example, an in-house energy platform uses intelligent algorithms to identify deviations in energy consumption. This alone has enabled some plants to reduce their CO2 emissions by more than 10 percent over the past two years. Considering that Bosch operates a total of 270 such plants, the savings potential is enormous. As Bolle explains, “That’s how we sum up our message at CES: Bosch has big plans for AI in many respects.”

CES 2020: Bosch presents intelligent technology that is “Invented for life”

06.01.2020

Press release

Smart Home

CES 2020: Bosch presents intelligent technology that is “Invented for life”

Stuttgart, Germany / Las Vegas, NV, USA – At CES® 2020 in Las Vegas, Central Hall, booth #12401 from January 7 to 10, 2020 , Bosch is presenting connected products for mobility and the home. Among the highlights at the trade fair are solutions that either make use of artificial intelligence (AI) or that were developed or manufactured with its help. The international supplier of technology and services wants to make AI safe, robust, and explainable, whether in manufacturing, smart homes, or automated driving.CES 2020 Innovation Awards: award-winning Bosch solutions In the run-up to CES 2020, Bosch twice received the highest score in the Innovation Awards and was also a three-time Honoree. The CES Innovation Awards are an annual program run by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) covering 28 categories, and serve as an indicator of future trends. In addition to the 3D display for cars, a world first from the Car Multimedia division also received the coveted Best of Innovation award: the virtual visor. Both innovations were also designated Honorees in other categories. The third Honoree distinction goes to Bosch Vivalution (brand name was changed) – a smart platform for medical diagnostics.A world first: virtual visor – the transparent digital sun visor (AI inside): Conventional sun visors shield car drivers from dazzling light. But folding them down often also blocks significant areas of the driver’s field of vision. Bosch has solved this problem with a new, transparent LCD display that replaces opaque visors. The virtual visor is connected to the interior monitoring camera, which detects the position of the driver’s eyes. Using intelligent algorithms, the virtual visor analyzes this information and darkens only the portion of the windshield through which the sun or other light sources would dazzle the driver. The rest remains transparent, leaving the driver’s view of the road unobstructed.3D display – bringing the third dimension to the cockpit: The new Bosch 3D display uses passive 3D technology to generate a realistic three-dimensional effect for images and warning signals. This allows visual information to be grasped faster than when displayed on conventional screens, reducing driver distraction. Furthermore, this display system with spatial depth works completely without additional features such as eye tracking or 3D glasses.Vivalution (brand name was changed)– a smart pathology platform for medical diagnostics (AI inside): Bosch Vivalution can magnify microscopic samples of blood and other bodily fluids, take a digital picture of them, and analyze them using artificial intelligence powered algorithms. The device has already been trained on more than 30,000 images and some nine million discrete points of cells using machine learning methods – and it is still learning. It is able to determine irregularities in cells quickly and precisely, supporting doctors during evaluation and diagnosis.A Bosch must-see SoundSee – intelligent ears for the ISS (AI inside): Barely bigger than a lunch box, Bosch’s SoundSee is packed with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI). SoundSee is already in orbit and will soon be deployed onboard on the International Space Station (ISS.) Riding on NASA’s flying autonomous Astrobee robot, the SoundSee uses integrated microphones to capture ambient noise in space and then analyze the audio using AI-driven analytics. By using artificial intelligence, SoundSee can analyze audio data to spot potential anomalies and give an indication of when maintenance work is needed. In early 2020, audio data captured by SoundSee will be delivered to a NASA-spec’d ground control facility built into the Bosch Research Center in Pittsburgh, PA. SoundSee was developed together with Astrobotic as part of a NASA research collaboration.Light Drive smart glasses – keeping information always in view : Bosch Sensortec is presenting Light Drive smart glasses – the world’s first solution for making a normal pair of glasses smart. The integrated projection system consists of MEMS mirrors, optical elements, sensors, and an intelligent software connection. Light Drive smart glasses are more than one-third thinner than previous solutions on the market and weigh less than ten grams. The crystal-clear images they project into the wearer’s field of vision, which are clearly discernible even in direct sunlight, range from navigation information and text messages to calendar entries and operating instructions – depending on the information they receive from a smartphone or smartwatch.Interior monitoring – safety, comfort, and convenience for all occupants (AI inside) : Based on eyelid movements, direction of gaze, and sitting position, this Bosch vehicle interior monitoring system detects when the driver is drowsy or looks at a smartphone – and alerts the driver to critical situations. It also monitors the vehicle interior to determine how many occupants are present and where they are seated. This makes it possible to optimize the operation of safety systems such as the airbags in an emergency. What’s more, the system increases occupants’ comfort and convenience. For instance, it automatically activates stored personal settings such as seat position. In the future, when vehicles are in partially automated driving mode for sections of the journey such as on the freeway, the driver monitoring system will become an indispensable partner: the camera will ensure that the driver can safely take the wheel again at any time.Bosch IoT Shuttle – the future of mobility : In the future, mobility service providers (MSPs) will increasingly use shuttles to offer customized on-demand mobility – whether for road freight or passenger transport. At CES, Bosch is using its IoT Shuttle technology showpiece to present the solutions that the company offers automakers and MSPs for the electrification, automation, connectivity, and personalization of shuttles. Its offering goes beyond components to include seamlessly connected mobility services that give users flexibility in how they operate, manage, recharge, and maintain their fleet vehicles, as well as making each journey safe.Mobility of the future: selection of solutions and services Intelligent front camera : understanding what it sees with computer vision and AI (AI inside) : This camera detects objects, categorizes them into classes such as vehicles, pedestrians, or bicycles, and measures their movement. The camera is also capable of interpreting what it sees to distinguish between the lane and the grass shoulder or roadside structures – even in the absence of road markings. In congested urban traffic, the camera can also recognize and classify partially obscured or crossing vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists quickly and reliably. This allows the vehicle to trigger a warning or emergency braking. This camera intelligence is based on Bosch know-how and integrated into a chip, known as V3H, made by the Japanese company Renesas. It can also improve legacy driver assistance systems and extend their application range. For instance, it could enhance automatic emergency braking systems to prevent vehicles hitting various types of animals.Lidar sensors – the third type of sensor technology needed for automated driving, alongside radar and camera: Bosch is extending its sensor portfolio for automated driving and is starting production of long-range lidar sensors. Bosch long-range lidar will be the first solution available on the market suitable for automotive use. This means that it can be manufactured in large volumes and will work reliably throughout a car’s service life. Lidar plays a key role in ensuring that highly-automated vehicles can reliably detect hazards even in challenging driving situations – situations where radar and cameras come up short. The long-range lidar can also detect non-metallic objects at a great distance, such as rocks on the road.Radar sensors – surround sensors for complex driving situations : The latest generation of Bosch radar sensors are even better at capturing the vehicle’s surroundings – including in bad weather or poor light conditions. Their greater detection range, wide aperture, and high angular resolution mean automatic emergency braking systems can react more reliably.Automated valet parking – fully automated valet parking service : This joint development by Bosch and Daimler is the first SAE Level 4 system to be officially approved for everyday use in Germany. The sensors for the parking garage infrastructure and the communications technology come from Bosch. By the end of 2021, it is expected that a dozen other parking garages will be equipped with automated valet parking. Bosch is working on this together with parking garage operators and developers of major real-estate projects.Vehicle computer – next-generation electronics architecture : One key to the future of connected, automated, and electrified mobility is vehicles’ electronics architecture. Not only will new, high-performance vehicle control units make vehicles considerably more powerful in the future, but by reducing the number of ECUs, they will also reduce vehicle weight and complexity in the interactions between components and systems. Bosch vehicle computers will increase computing power by a factor of 1,000 by the start of the next decade. The company is already creating these kinds of computers for automated driving, the powertrain, and the integration of infotainment systems and driver assistance functions.Perfectly keyless – the smartphone as car key : In the future, Perfectly keyless will use not only Bluetooth for communication between the vehicle and a smartphone, but also ultra-wideband (UWB), a new communications technology that is already available in some smartphones. UWB lets smartphones be localized to within a few centimeters. It also makes communication with the vehicle particularly secure. Bosch is currently working with partners to standardize data transmission between smartphones and vehicles. At CES, Bosch is presenting a demonstration vehicle in which Perfectly keyless makes use of UWB for the first time.Fuel-cell system – electromobility for the long haul : Mobile fuel cells offer long ranges, short refueling times, and – with hydrogen produced using renewable energy – emissions-free operation of electric vehicles. Bosch is currently commercializing a fuel-cell stack together with the Swedish company Powercell. In addition to the stack, which converts hydrogen into electrical energy, Bosch is developing all the essential system components to a production-ready stage.Rolling chassis – electromobility platform : Electrical powertrains, steering systems, brakes – Bosch has all the building blocks of electromobility in its portfolio. As part of a development partnership with the chassis and automotive technology expert Benteler, the company is demonstrating how all Bosch products for electric vehicles can be integrated with one another. The rolling chassis showpiece is, among other things, helping Bosch to strategically refine products to meet such requirements.E-axle – SiC technology for high-performance electric vehicles : Bosch is presenting its new Performance e-axle, which incorporates new technological solutions to further increase the efficiency and power density of electrical powertrains. The new drive unit features improved system efficiency of up to 96 percent, which extends vehicle range by up to 6 percent in the WLTP test cycle. And at 3 kilowatts of power per kilogram, the power density is 50 percent higher than in the previous e-axle. These improvements are due to the pioneering use of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the power electronics as well as a space-saving arrangement of the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission.Connected biking – solutions that deliver a cycling experience 2.0 : The Kiox on-board computer keeps training data such as speed, pulse, and the rider’s own performance in view throughout the ride. Once the ride is over, users can evaluate the data in the eBike Connect smartphone app or in the online portal. Kiox also boasts a new premium function called Lock, which provides digital protection against theft. Meanwhile, the new SmartphoneHub lets e-bikers enjoy all-around connectivity when riding thanks to the COBI.Bike app, which offers a wide range of functions – from navigation and fitness tracking to connections with third-party services and apps such as Apple Health, Google Fit, and komoot.Intelligent assistants: safety and comfort on the road and at home Home Connect – an expanded platform for everyone : Bosch is expanding the scope of its services for the residential internet of things (IoT). Home Connect, the open IoT platform for all things relating to household appliances from Bosch and other brands, on which some 40 partners are already collaborating, is extending from the kitchen to the rest of the home. Starting in mid-2020, Home Connect will also offer control of connected devices such as lighting, heating, security, entertainment across different manufacturers. The number of partner companies is set to more than double, making life at home even more comfortable, convenient, and efficient.Bosch Smart Home – new degrees of openness: Bosch Smart Home is soon to be compatible with Apple HomeKit. In the future, it will be possible to control the Bosch smart-home system using the Apple Home app and the Siri voice assistant. To enhance customer benefits even more, in the future Bosch will offer its partners the option of including Bosch smart-home devices and services in their own offerings via an application programming interface (API).Application Store – everything under one roof : IoT connectivity has a key role to play, especially when it comes to security technology. Now the Bosch subsidiary Security and Safety Things has developed its own IT platform in an effort to make coordinating devices, software, and data for video and security applications in commercial buildings as effective as possible. Thanks to this platform, it takes no time at all to test the compatibility of an app with its intended application or to implement systems. Sample applications in the area of connected living and mobility will be on display at CES.A feeling of safety anytime, anywhere : This compact mobile alarm device can be placed wherever safety is paramount. Whether at home, in the car, in the motorhome, or in the shed – the new sensor is integrated into the intelligent Twinguard smoke alarm device. . The device is fitted with noise, motion, and air-pressure sensors, as well as GPS. If the device detects an intruder, it sends a warning to the user’s smartphone via Wi-Fi or the low power wide area (LPWA) IoT wireless technology standard.Bosch at CES 2020: PRESS CONFERENCE : In Ballrooms B, C, and D, Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas South Convention Center, Level 2 , from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. local time on Monday, January 6, 2020 . BOOTH: Tuesday to Friday, January 7–10, 2020 , in the Central Hall, booth #12401 FOLLOW the Bosch CES 2020 highlights on Twitter: #BoschCES PANELS WITH BOSCH EXPERTS : Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. (local time) Event entitled “Growth of Apprenticeships for ‘New Collar’ Jobs” with Charlie Ackerman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Las Vegas, South Convention Center

More than meets the eye: Bosch enables the next generation of smartglasses

10.12.2019

Press release

Internet of Things

More than meets the eye: Bosch enables the next generation of smartglasses

At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bosch Sensortec launches an innovative optical Light Drive system for smartglasses. The Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive module is a sole source, all-in-one technology stack consisting of MEMS mirrors, optical elements, sensors, and onboard processing. This integrated solution delivers a clean visual experience with bright images that are always in focus – even in direct sunlight.The disruptive Bosch Light Drive technology revolutionizes all-day wearables with perceived total transparency for the user, and with radical social acceptance because it is nearly invisible to others. Additionally, the technology can also be applied to optimize performance of waveguide systems for which integration packages are in development. There is no externally visible display or integrated camera, the two pitfalls that have alienated users of other smartglasses technologies. The smaller size allows designers to overcome the bulky, cumbersome characteristics of many of today’s smartglasses. For the first time, a turnkey system enables smaller, lighter, more stylish smartglasses designs that meet the visual and comfort needs of everyone. The tiny module is also big news for those who wear eyeglasses for vision correction - a significant market, since six out of ten people use corrective lenses every day. The Smartglasses Light Drive system is the smallest and lightest product on the market today and is, therefore, able to turn almost any regular spectacles into smartglasses. By eliminating distracting phone usage, smartglasses can help improve driving safety and reduce the impulse of users to constantly check their mobile devices for notifications or messages....says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. Bosch Sensortec’s innovative Smartglasses Light Drive solution paves the way for a day without digital fatigue. The system displays the perfect balance of just-in-time hands-free information in a minimalist format, making it ideal for applications including navigation, calls, and notifications such as alarms, calendar reminders, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat. Everyday note-based information like to-do and shopping checklists are exceptionally convenient. To date, these applications have been primarily restricted to devices with physical displays like smartphones or smartwatches. Smartglasses minimize socially unacceptable behavior such as obsessive phone checking, and help improve driver safety by providing hands-free, transparent heads-up navigation directions. The new technology promises to broaden the scope and availability of apps and information, coupled with instant access to relevant data, social media, and intuitive control of audio playback. Innovative technology in a tiny package A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based collimated light scanner inside the Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive module scans a holographic element (HOE) that is embedded in the lens of the smartglasses. This HOE redirects the light beam onto the human retina surface, directly painting a picture that is always in focus. The technology enables hands-free, secure viewing of practically any data from a connected mobile device, such as a paired smartphone, overlaid in a comfortable viewing position. The projected high-resolution image is crisp, bright, private, and clearly visible even in direct sunlight thanks to its adaptive brightness. The Bosch Light Drive technology is compatible with curved and corrective lenses, making this new tech appealing and available to users who already wear prescription glasses. Older competitor display technologies are hindered by a haze or rainbow glare called stray light that is visible when the system is switched off. The Bosch Light Drive technology provides pleasing all-day optical transparency with minimal stray light sensitivity, meaning the view is always crystal clear, and that distracting internal reflections are a thing of the past. Smallest Smartglasses Light Drive solution on the market The new complete turnkey Light Drive system is the smallest comparable solution available on the market, delivering a depth reduction of 30 percent compared to existing solutions. It measures approximately 45-75 mm x 5-10 mm x 8 mm (L x H x W, depending on customer integration) and weighs less than 10 grams. This makes it easy for glasses manufacturers to flexibly reduce the width of the glasses frame to create a stylish design, and eliminate the visibly chunky design of first-generation smartglasses. Social acceptance and broad adoption have the potential to make retinal Light Drive technologies the next boom for manufacturers of consumer electronics display devices. End-to-end solution for smartglasses manufacturers Bosch Sensortec provides a turnkey Light Drive solution – designed and built in-house to ensure consistent high quality, reliability, and performance, whilst being able to quickly respond to market and customer demands for product modifications. Bosch Sensortec is the only end-to-end system provider of such retinal Light Drive technology and can further leverage this position by offering an extensive range of complementary devices and solutions. The smartglasses module is enriched by several sensor solutions, such as Bosch’s smart sensor BHI260, the barometric pressure sensor BMP388, and the BMM150 magnetometer. The sensors enable intuitive user interface features such as multi-tap functions on the frame to improve convenience while operating the glasses. The Bosch Smartglasses Light Drive solution will be available in 2021 to high-volume manufacturers as part number BML500P.

Hearables: Bosch brings smart features to your ear

17.06.2019

Press release

Internet of Things

Hearables: Bosch brings smart features to your ear

Bosch Sensortec announces a new variant of its high-performance BMA456 accelerometer at Sensors Expo & Conference in San Jose, California. The BMA456 hearable accelerometer is the industry’s only accelerometer with optimized hearable features integrated in one sensor and complements the existing BMA456 wearable variant. Manufacturers can now design smaller and more accurate hearables with lower power consumption while increasing their performance. Hearables include devices such as standard or sports earbuds, hearing aids or high-end hearables like gaming headsets. Bosch Sensortec's many years of experience in the areas of signal processing and ultra-low power MEMS sensor design are key to helping manufacturers create the next generation of hearables....Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec "Bosch Sensortec's many years of experience in the areas of signal processing and ultra-low power MEMS sensor design are key to helping manufacturers create the next generation of hearables," says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "The new BMA456 is a great example of how Bosch leverages its experience and know-how, adapting proven wearable technologies for the developing hearables market." Accelerometers have played a pivotal role in extending the possibilities for hearables, enabling sensing for initiating voice assistant systems, head gesture control and body movement tracking and more....Peter Cooney, Founder and Research Director, SAR Insight & Consulting Hearables are a fast-growing market segment, and a major growth driver in the wearables space. Based on data from SAR Insight & Consulting, the market for True Wireless Earbuds (TWE) is expected to grow to almost 180 million units by 2023. "Accelerometers have played a pivotal role in extending the possibilities for hearables, enabling sensing for initiating voice assistant systems, head gesture control and body movement tracking and more," says Peter Cooney, Founder and Research Director, SAR Insight & Consulting, "As the TWS market continues to expand rapidly, there are many interesting opportunities for sensor vendors to enable interesting and innovative products offering substantial market potential". A broad range of hearable features The new BMA456 accelerometer variant integrates hearable-specific gestures for intuitive user interactions such as tap, double-tap and triple-tap. Thereby, the user can, for example, conveniently control playback, manage the volume, or accept and decline calls. All of these functions are carried out within the BMA456 itself, thus eliminating the need to wake up a power-hungry application processor. These features and its extremely low height of 0.65 mm make the BMA456 a perfect fit for Truly Wireless Stereo (TWS) headsets and midrange hearables used for entertainment and in everyday life. Another feature is power management. To limit power consumption, the BMA456 accelerometer accurately distinguishes between motion and no-motion, switching itself and the device to a low-power mode. In addition, the sensor enables low-power in-ear and out-of-ear recognition that could, for example, instantly pause playback when the user removes the hearable from their ear and set the entire system to sleep mode. The BMA456 also includes a low-power step counter and step detector that is specifically optimized for hearables. In combination with the sophisticated activity recognition feature that detects walking, running and standing still, the BMA456 hearable variant is a perfect fit for sports and activity-tracking hearables that operate with smartphones or stand-alone. Manufacturers can flexibly configure the default parameter sets of these features to improve the performance of their devices. The sensor’s low noise of 120 µg√Hz, low offset of ±20 mg and low TCO of 0.35 mg/K further improve the accuracy of the device. Users thereby benefit from an intuitive user experience, accurate activity tracking and an extended battery life. Comprehensive product portfolio for hearables Bosch Sensortec offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensing solutions for hearables, so manufacturers can find the optimal solution for any hearable application, whether it be for sports, hearing aids, standard earbuds or high-end hearables such as gaming headsets. The product portfolio for hearables includes accelerometers (BMA456, BMA400), magnetometers (BMM150), inertial measurement units (BMI270), pressure sensors (BMP388) and smart sensors (BHA260, BHI260). Package and availability The BMA456 hearable variant comes in a tiny package measuring 2 x 2 x 0.65 mm³. This variant will be available via Bosch Sensortec’s distributors in July 2019.

Bosch launches smart ultra-low power IMU BMI270 optimized for wearables

07.01.2019

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch launches smart ultra-low power IMU BMI270 optimized for wearables

At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada , Bosch Sensortec announced the BMI270, an ultra-low power smart Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) specifically targeted at wearable applications. It offers a strongly improved accelerometer offset and sensitivity performance, enabled by the newest Bosch MEMS process technology. The BMI270 combines robustness, accuracy and ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal for wearables. ...Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec The BMI270 is the latest member of Bosch Sensortec’s BMI260 family of IMUs. It includes intuitive gesture, context and activity recognition with an integrated plug-and-play step counter, which is specially optimized for accurate step counting in wrist-worn devices. The IMU is also well suited for other types of wearable devices, such as hearables, smart clothes, smart shoes, smart glasses and ankle bands. As an ultra-low power IMU, the BMI270 significantly extends system battery life by handling multiple activity tracking, step counting and gesture recognition functions independently of the main system processor, without having to wake it up. These processor-independent functions include tasks such as sending an interrupt when a certain number of steps is reached, or geofencing to activate GPS when the user stands up and starts walking. Powerful, accurate gesture and activity recognition features therefore run in the ultra-low power domain, with current consumption of just 30 μA. This noticeably reduces power consumption and users can benefit from extended battery charging intervals. "The BMI270 combines robustness, accuracy and ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal for wearables," says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "It also features a dedicated set of functions developed for wrist-worn and other wearable devices, giving wearable manufacturers and vendors the capability to develop differentiated products with a competitive edge." Two versions: gesture and context/activity Bosch Sensortec’s smart IMU is available in two application-specific versions. The 'gesture' version, which detects gestures including flick in/out, arm up/down, and wrist tilt. This version is designed for Wear OS by Google™, ensuring a user-friendly and feature-rich experience for end users. The 'context and activity' version has advanced features for recognizing context activity and activity change, for example standing, walking or being in a vehicle. The BMI270 is designed to provide maximum flexibility to customers. Manufacturers not only benefit from the excellent sensor performance of the IMU but can also customize it based on the specific use case with gesture and context/activity features. Broad range of features Building on the latest Bosch MEMS process technology, the BMI270 combines the automotive-proven gyroscope technology with a significantly improved accelerometer. The sensor includes a 2 kB FIFO. Bosch’s unique and motionless Component Retrimming (CRT) feature provides built-in gyroscope self-calibration without a rotation stimulus, which saves OEMs valuable time and costs during testing and manufacturing. The embedded plug and play features of the BMI270 help to substantially cut time to market. The BMI270 measures only 2.5 x 3.0 x 0.8 mm3, and is pin-to-pin compatible with the BMI160, BMI260, BMI261 and BMI263. Availability The BMI270 will be available for distribution in the second quarter 2019. Wear OS by Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

Bosch announces virtual touchscreen on every surface for smart homes and IoT

07.01.2019

Press release

Smart Home

Bosch announces virtual touchscreen on every surface for smart homes and IoT

At CES® in Las Vegas, Nevada , Bosch Sensortec announced the BML100PI, an Interactive Projection Module that enriches smart homes with a virtual touchscreen on every surface – turning ordinary shelves into personal assistants. With this Interactive Projection Module any regular shelf can easily be transformed into a personal assistant for the user, greatly enhancing the level of convenience in people’s daily lives.... Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec The BML100PI module provides a complete, ready-to-use solution for interactive projection, enabling highly flexible virtual touchscreens. A generated laser beam creates a focus-free image on any surface and then scans it line-by-line to detect any gestures or finger movements. No calibration or adjustment is required for accurate gesture and touch recognition. Bosch Sensortec’s Interactive Projection Module provides a touchscreen with a highly intuitive user experience for any smart home appliances as a fully flexible alternative compared to a static, physical screen. Personal assistants in smart homes Home device manufacturers can use the BML100PI to create 'smart shelves' consisting of several simultaneous projections on the individual shelves for example in fridges, cupboards, kitchen cabinets or wardrobes. One module can provide touchscreen functionality on up to six different surfaces. For example, a single module can project a weather forecast, the user’s individual daily schedule as well as reminders of upcoming events on to a wardrobe. This information is processed and appropriate clothing is recommended to match the weather forecast and/or planned personal activities. The created look can then be shared with friends via social media – directly on the shelf surface. If an item of clothing is missing or in the laundry bin, the smart shelf can suggest new clothing for the user to order in an online fashion store or it can schedule a date for the laundry service, which is directly synced with the user’s calendar. "With this Interactive Projection Module any regular shelf can easily be transformed into a personal assistant for the user, greatly enhancing the level of convenience in people’s daily lives," said Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. The BML100PI is a compact plug-and-play solution that enables manufacturers of smart home appliances and furniture to create entirely new, exciting use cases. This creates a huge potential for product differentiation for manufacturers. An allrounder for all environments One key feature is that the module can project a sharp image on to any type of surface, regardless of whether it is dark, colored, wet, stepped or curved. It can thus provide interactive projection e.g. in bedrooms, home appliances or kitchen gadgets where suitable projection surfaces are often lacking. Compact module – easy to integrate in any smart home appliances The BML100PI offers low power consumption of typically 2 W. With its footprint of only 47 mm x 43 mm it is smaller than a credit card. This enables manufacturers to simply integrate it into practically all new and existing smart home appliances – significantly easier than existing projection or display solutions on the market. In addition to the BML100PI module, Bosch Sensortec offers the BML100P variant, which provides the same projection features but without the touch functionality. Availability The BML100PI and BML100P will be available in the second quarter of 2020.

Bosch announces industry’s first Position Tracking Smart Sensor BHI160BP for wea ...

07.11.2018

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch announces industry’s first Position Tracking Smart Sensor BHI160BP for wea ...

Reutlingen / Munich, Germany – At electronica Munich, Bosch Sensortec announces the BHI160BP, the industry’s first Position Tracking Smart Sensor that utilizes integrated inertial sensors to improve GPS location tracking. Pedestrian position tracking is a crucial application for mobile applications; unfortunately, GPS modules can rapidly drain a device’s battery capacity – especially when the battery is as small as in wearable devices....Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec Always-on position tracking When used with a GPS or GNSS module, the BHI160BP enables users to take full advantage of pedestrian position tracking with up to 80% saving in system power consumption compared with a typical GNSS-only solution, without compromising on accuracy. Users benefit from a greatly extended battery life and longer charging intervals for wearable applications such as smartwatches and fitness trackers and other mobile devices such as smartphones or hearables. This new position tracking approach is set to enable a new class of compact devices with even smaller batteries. The BHI160BP tracks a person’s position by intelligently applying an inertial sensor based algorithm for Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR). To maintain accuracy, it calculates the user’s relative location based on data collected from the inertial sensors and then re-calibrates itself every few minutes to obtain the absolute position provided by the GNSS/GPS module. This means that the GNSS/GPS module can be kept in sleep mode for most of the time, which drastically reduces a device's power consumption and extends its operating time. "Pedestrian position tracking is a crucial application for mobile applications; unfortunately, GPS modules can rapidly drain a device’s battery capacity – especially when the battery is as small as in wearable devices," says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "Our new Position Tracking Smart Sensor solves this problem and enables users to navigate reliably while extending the operation of GPS tracking in their devices from several hours up to several days." Straightforward integration The position tracking capability provided by the BHI160BP also means that a device can maintain solid accuracy even when the GNSS signal is blocked or weak, e.g. near tall buildings or indoors. This ensures accurate pedestrian navigation at all times, even in shielded indoor areas such as subways. The BHI160BP is a new member of Bosch Sensortec’s BHI160 family and adds application-specific functionality for position tracking. It provides a ready-to-use solution that can be quickly and easily integrated into a system design without requiring an update to a new GNSS module, thereby significantly cutting time to market. While the current configuration is optimized for use with GNSS receivers (such as GPS), the BHI160BP can also support most of the common global localization technologies. As well as improving localization, the BHI160BP can also serve to handle gesture recognition and 3D orientation, with 3D calculations performed by the sensor itself rather than by an application processor. Wide range of features and functionalities The new BHI160BP draws only 1.3 mA in active operation mode and is the industry’s lowest-power solution that integrates the Fuser Core (MCU) and a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Additionally, the Position Tracking Smart Sensor offers a variety of customized virtual sensors, such as a calibrated accelerometer, orientation and wake up gesture, within a single device. Furthermore, the BHI160BP can be extended by connecting additional physical sensors, such as a magnetometer, over a secondary interface. The new BHI160BP comes in a compact 3 x 3 x 0.95 mm3 LGA-package and is pin-to-pin compatible with the BHI160.

Bosch launches BMI260 family: new generation of IMUs optimized for smartphone ap ...

31.10.2018

Press release

Internet of Things

Bosch launches BMI260 family: new generation of IMUs optimized for smartphone ap ...

Reutlingen, Germany – Bosch Sensortec launches the BMI260 family, a new generation of high-performance MEMS Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) targeted at smartphone applications. The family comprises of three sensors – BMI260, BMI261 and BMI263 – which deliver an extensive range of features, including full Android TM compliance, an I3C SM interface, and support for sensor synchronization.The new IMUs are equipped with a high-performance accelerometer and provide highly accurate step counting, motion detection and precise data to support indoor SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). In addition to increased performance, the BMI260 family offers significantly reduced power consumption for extended smartphone battery life. Thanks to low-latency, OIS (optical image stabilization) and EIS (electronic image stabilization) support, the BMI260 family enables much sharper pictures and ultra-smooth video stabilization. "Our next-generation BMI260 family of IMUs builds upon the rock-solid foundation put in place by the very successful BMI160," says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. "These new IMUs deliver enhanced accelerometer performance, an extensive range of powerful features and interfaces, and, importantly, Component Retrimming (CRT) for motionless gyroscope self-calibration. End users can now look forward to many new features and a much faster, smoother, and essentially flawless experience.” Broad range of features The BMI260 is the base variant, combining Bosch Sensortec’s high-end accelerometer performance with Bosch’s automotive-proven gyroscope technology. Its high robustness against temperature fluctuations and PCB stress enables extremely precise acceleration sensing. The BMI261 variant is fully Android TM compliant and specifically optimized for always-on smartphone gesture and activity recognition. The BMI263 is Bosch Sensortec’s first product to be fully compliant with the latest MIPI I3C SM standard and supports both asynchronous and synchronous timing control. Each device includes a primary and secondary interface that can be configured independently in I²C or SPI. This enables dual SPI configuration, camera modules or auxiliary sensor connections, for example a magnetometer. Finally, the entire BMI260 family enables extended support for data synchronization. Built-in gyroscope self-calibration Each of the new IMU devices includes the industry’s first motionless Component Retrimming (CRT) feature for built-in gyroscope self-calibration. This eliminates the need to calibrate the sensitivity of the MEMS gyroscope using a rotation stimulus. This plug-and-play feature promises to significantly accelerate testing and manufacturing processes to further reduce cost and time-to-market for device makers. Enabling sharp pictures and videos with OIS/EIS The new family of IMUs boasts powerful OIS and EIS features. Excellent, low latency (e.g. Google Daydream View compliant), minimal group delays (max. about 600 µs) and high-precision time stamps (accuracy about 40 µs) substantially improve photo and video quality for end users. Dual SPI interfaces enable a single IMU to serve two SPI-based modules, supporting stereo or 3D camera operation. Using the BMI260 family on the mainboard enables congruent HMI and OIS functions, such as stabilized panorama photo panning and action video tagging. Ultra-low power consumption Power consumption is kept very low, helping to noticeably prolong smartphone battery life and reduce charging cycles for end users. At a full output data rate (ODR) of up to 6.4 kHz, the typical current draw for both the accelerometer and gyroscope is kept at a level of 700 μA. By enabling high output data rates with low current consumption, smartphone manufacturers can avoid compromising their designs with unpleasant aliasing effects – an effect that causes different signals to become indistinguishable when sampled at lower ODRs. The BMI260 IMU family provides an intelligent power management system enabling all always-on features to run inside the ultra-low power domain of the IMU. Therefore, the host application processor has to wake up only on rare, dedicated occasions, enabling a maximized idle period for the main processor. For example, the system can run reliable gesture and activity recognition features at power draws of merely 30 μA. The new BMI260 family offers a compact package measuring only 2.5 x 3.0 x 0.8 mm3. The IMUs are pin-to-pin compatible with its predecessor BMI160. BMI260 and BMI261 are available for high-volume production. Samples of BMI263 are now available on request.