STUTTGART – Bosch, a global leader in technology and services, is set to unveil an array of groundbreaking advancements at this year’s Hannover Messe. From an autonomous transport system to AI-driven visual fault detection and 3D printing powered by 5G, Bosch is poised to redefine the future of manufacturing, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.
The factory of the future, once a vision, is now a tangible reality, and Bosch aims to underscore this fact during the event scheduled from April 1 to April 5, 2019. Central to Bosch’s showcase are autonomous transport vehicles that seamlessly deliver components to digital workspaces, complemented by robotics solutions that enhance manufacturing processes. Notably, quality inspection will be revolutionized with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring precision and efficiency. This integration is made possible by the seamless communication facilitated by 5G technology, enabling near real-time data transmission between machines and systems.
With Industry 4.0 serving as a cornerstone, Bosch has amassed over 1.5 billion euros in revenue from related applications over the past four years alone. The company’s ambitious target includes surpassing annual sales of one billion euros with Industry 4.0 by 2022, further solidifying its commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
Speaking on the pivotal role of AI, Rolf Najork, a member of Bosch’s board of management, emphasized, “Bosch regards AI as a key technology,” envisioning widespread integration of AI across all Bosch products by the mid-2020s. The focus remains on developing AI that is not only advanced but also safe, robust, and explainable.
One of Bosch’s standout innovations, the AI-based system for visual quality control (ViPAS), will take center stage at Hannover Messe. ViPAS, leveraging a combination of advanced camera technology, a gripper arm, and intelligent software, has demonstrated exceptional performance during extensive testing. Achieving a success rate of 99.9 percent in sorting parts, ViPAS exemplifies the potential of AI in enhancing manufacturing processes.
Andreas Müller, a Bosch researcher and chairman of the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA), emphasized the transformative impact of 5G on industrial operations, stating, “5G will be the central nervous system in the factory of the future.” Bosch’s leadership in driving 5G innovation is evident through its chairmanship of the 5G-ACIA, alongside active collaboration with key industry players.
Furthermore, Bosch, in collaboration with partners Nokia, Qualcomm, and BigRep, will showcase the convergence of 5G and 3D printing for the first time. This integration promises to streamline manufacturing processes, making machines leaner, more cost-effective, and easier to maintain.
Sweden, this year’s Hannover Messe partner country, holds strategic significance for Bosch. With a longstanding presence in the country since 1904 and employing over 1,600 associates across nine locations, Bosch is deeply integrated into Sweden’s industrial landscape. Leveraging its expertise, Bosch has implemented Industry 4.0 solutions across various sectors in Sweden, driving greater productivity and efficiency.
From high-performance hydraulic systems in Hägglunds to machine learning applications in Rexroth’s plant in Mellansel, Bosch continues to spearhead technological innovation, shaping the future of manufacturing on a global scale.
