Bosch technology enables redundancy needed for automated driving

DETROIT – Without redundancy, there is no automated driving. The promise of automated driving requires a mix of technological, societal and regulatory development and cooperation. The technology continues to advance thanks to sensors and software, but also thanks to redundancy. In order to realize fully-automated driving on the path to the accident-free future, redundancy in safety-critical systems such as braking and steering is an absolute.

Bosch is actively developing and bringing to market redundant braking solutions to support all levels of automation as defined by SAE. At the 2018 North American International Auto Show, the leading global supplier of technology and services will showcase its braking solutions, including redundant braking for automated driving.

“The importance of redundancy for the rollout of automated driving goes beyond just the technological function as it ultimately will build confidence in consumers as they understand these systems are designed with deep levels of complexity to handle a variety of situations,” said Mike Mansuetti, president of Bosch in North America.

SAE level 3 (conditional automation) vehicles will begin to hit the market as soon as 2018. For these vehicles, a human driver is still necessary, but safety-critical functions may be completely shifted to the vehicle under certain traffic or environmental conditions. Drivers must still remain present, but will need a certain amount of time to realize that an intervention is necessary. Redundant functions ensure that all safety-critical functions continue during this time span, even in the rare case of a failure in the system. For SAE levels 4 and 5, the redundancy becomes even more critical as the time span increases without the driver in the loop.

Bosch’s solution for a fail-degraded brake system (steering system and E/E architecture) is the combination of its electromechanical brake booster iBooster and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), also known as ESP (electronic stability program), systems. Both are independently capable of performing braking functions for the vehicle in the rare case of a single failure.

The technological breakthrough of redundant braking was achieved by modifying one system element; the vacuum brake booster is replaced by an intelligent electro-mechanical booster, the iBooster. A conventional brake system today comprises two actuators: a vacuum brake booster and ESC unit. The redundant brake system is comprised of two actuators that are each able to decelerate the vehicle independent of the driver applying the brake pedal. Even if a failure occurs in the brake system, either actuator (iBooster or ESC) is able to avoid wheel lock-up by modulating the brake pressure, which maintains the ability to steer during deceleration.

Bosch’s redundant brake system for automated driving was named a finalist for the 2018 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contributions to Excellence) Award, which is acknowledged globally as a prestigious industry benchmark for automotive supplier innovation. Bosch was also honored with an eMove360° Award in the category of Automated Driving for the redundant braking technology.

Redundant steering is also a key technology for automated driving and Bosch is leading in this area. At NAIAS 2017, Bosch introduced its Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with fail-operational function. The system, which enables either a driver or auto pilot system to make a safe stop in the rare case of a single failure, is a key requirement on the path to fully automated driving.

Making automated driving a reality calls for profound understanding of all vehicle systems. Bosch has this expertise, and manufactures most of the key components itself – including radar, video, and ultrasonic sensors, brake control systems, electrical power-steering units, display instruments, and connectivity solutions inside and outside the vehicle. Bosch has more than 3,000 engineers around the world working to make automated driving a reality.