Mobility
Bosch Advances Level 3 Highly Automated Driving
Image: (c) Bosch
Bosch has distinguished itself in China as a key technology partner for automated driving. A prime example is the new automatic evasive maneuver function, known as "Autonomous Emergency Steering." Bosch developed this feature to production readiness in collaboration with a Chinese automaker within just six months. It integrates driver assistance and vehicle control to significantly enhance safety. When braking distance is no longer sufficient due to sudden obstacles—such as a swerving vehicle or an unexpected pedestrian—the automatic evasive function prevents collisions. To achieve this, Bosch's Vehicle Motion Management coordinates the brakes, steering, and powertrain so quickly and precisely that the vehicle swerves to avoid the obstacle without losing stability, even in wintry road conditions.
Bosch has distinguished itself in China as a key technology partner for automated driving. A prime example is the new automatic evasive maneuver function, known as "Autonomous Emergency Steering." Bosch developed this feature to production readiness in collaboration with a Chinese automaker within just six months. It integrates driver assistance and vehicle control to significantly enhance safety. When braking distance is no longer sufficient due to sudden obstacles—such as a swerving vehicle or an unexpected pedestrian—the automatic evasive function prevents collisions. To achieve this, Bosch's Vehicle Motion Management coordinates the brakes, steering, and powertrain so quickly and precisely that the vehicle swerves to avoid the obstacle without losing stability, even in wintry road conditions.
In this context, Bosch has also taken the next step in its evolution from Level 2 to Level 3 automated driving. Since March 2026, the company has held a license to test vehicles with Level 3 driving functions in real-world operations in Wuxi, China. Bosch is utilizing an advanced ADAS system solution that has consistently won test series in the Chery Exeed ES. With this sophisticated assistance system, the vehicle brakes, steers, and accelerates independently, though the driver must still monitor traffic closely. This changes at Level 3, where responsibility shifts to the vehicle in specific use cases. The driver is permitted to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road. In an increasingly fast-paced world, Bosch technology allows drivers to reclaim valuable time in the car. They will be able to sit back and relax on highways and expressways within Chinese cities. The Bosch system operates at speeds of up to 120 km/h, functions in weather conditions with visibility down to 300 meters, and performs automatic lane changes.
Bosch also showcased its expertise across all core vehicle sectors, including powertrain, steering, braking, vehicle sensors, high-performance computers, on-board electronics, software, and AI. Bosch provides manufacturers with both the hardware—such as the high-performance seventh-generation radar—and the necessary algorithms. Additionally, Bosch presented its by-wire systems for braking and steering, where signal lines transmit driver input to the braking and steering systems. For brake-by-wire, Bosch offers a solution consisting of two independent braking devices: a newly developed brake actuator and a traditional ESP system. Bosch reports that it has already signed supply contracts for the hydraulic brake-by-wire system with five manufacturers and expects to launch it in series production for passenger cars by mid-2026. Furthermore, it will be used in several robotaxi platforms, with production slated to begin in 2027. In addition to the hydraulic solution, Bosch also offers a purely electromechanical system.
Furthermore, Bosch and the Chinese automaker Chery announced a strategic development partnership for a 48-volt electrical system.