Bosch develops VisionX truck concept

Bosch has launched the VisionX truck concept, which demonstrates its latest CV technologies, including platooning, hybrid powertrain and connected logistics.

Platooning, which allows multiple trucks to connect and run in an autonomous road train, will increase commercial vehicle safety, reliability and efficiency. Bosch expects that the slipstreaming effect of platooning could cut fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. It is extending its expertise in highly automated driving for passenger cars, to develop technology to assist the truck driver and their companies.

Vehicles in the platoon will receive all the data they need in real time from the Bosch IoT Cloud. This can make the vehicle aware of traffic jams and adverse road conditions in real time, allowing it to adjust its speed accordingly, improving efficiency. Bosch connected technology also allows drivers to reserve and pay for secure truck parking spaces through a single app.

To make life easier for commercial vehicle drivers and operators, Bosch is unveiling a number of in-cab displays and interfaces to reduce distraction and improve usability. Its award-winning neoSense touchscreen gives haptic feedback to users, meaning they can feel their way around the screen, without having to take their eyes off the road. Bosch is also integrating large, highly-customised displays, which are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Efficiency is another major theme for Bosch.

For example, the digital exterior mirror replaces a commercial vehicle’s large side view mirrors with video sensors and screens located inside the cab. This reduces wind resistance and cuts fuel consumption by 1-2% and eliminates blindspots. The video sensor is one of a number of sensors that Bosch is showing at IAA.

Efficient powertrain options will also be presented, including a 120 kW parallel hybrid system for trucks, which can improve fuel efficiency by six percent. Also on display are a 48-volt hybrid system for light commercial vehicles, a fully-electric powertrain for off-highway construction vehicles, as well as a range of common rail diesel technologies on display.