Bosch's tech task: Foster consumer trust in software

Bosch says building consumer trust in new software is part of the job for developing connected and automated vehicles.

January 10, 2022 12:00 AM

LAS VEGAS — As the world's largest supplier shifts more of its products to software-based technologies, it is also cognizant that, in the process, it must build consumer trust in software.

As part of CES last week, German megasupplier Robert Bosch revealed the results of its "Tech Compass" survey, which found that 4 out of 5 respondents indicated it is important that they trust the software in the products they use moving forward.

That finding is critical to Bosch's thinking as its component systems and the vehicles they supply become more connected and automated, Bosch Group Chief Digital Officer Tanja Rückert said during a virtual CES press conference.

Bosch has said all products it builds by 2025 will either contain artificial intelligence or have been built with its help. The company sees AI and connected products working in tandem to boost revenue it generates from services in the future.

"In the future, cars are mainly software, Internet nodes — IoT devices on wheels," Rückert said, referring to the Internet of Things. The presentation was made virtually amid many CES participants' efforts to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Rückert said Bosch is working to build trust in consumers through a code of ethics it adopted in 2020 regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The company guide includes provisions stating that AI should not make decisions about humans without some sort of human oversight, according to a news release. Under that premise, a human driver can override the decisions an autonomous-driving system makes.

The adoption of a code of ethics surrounding AI "is key for delivering a solution where everybody can trust it," Rückert said.

The survey polled 1,000 people in Germany and the U.K. and 2,000 people in the U.S., India and China about a host of issues related to advanced technology, including in the automotive space.

Bosch ranked No. 1 on Automotive News' list of the top 100 global suppliers, with worldwide parts sales to automakers of $46.51 billion in 2020.