Milan, Italy – Bosch, the global automation giant, has strategically positioned its Milan-based research centre, Bosch Sensortec, to lead the design and development of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors – the critical ‘brains’ for the next generation of humanoid robots. This move underscores the growing importance of the humanoid sensor market, which is projected to reach an astounding €20 billion by 2030, experiencing a steady annual growth rate of 4%.
Milan Centre: A Decade of Innovation and Global Talent
Founded just over a decade ago with a modest team of twelve researchers, Bosch Sensortec in Lombardy, under the leadership of Riccardo Campagna, has blossomed into a vibrant hub employing over seventy engineers and technicians from across the globe. This multicultural environment, with English as its official language, fosters a constant exchange of expertise with other Bosch research centres in Sunnyvale (California) and Singapore. The Milan team possesses a comprehensive understanding of the business, overseeing the entire design process from initial customer requests to the final product application.
MEMS sensors are fundamental to enabling humanoids to perceive and interact with their surroundings with human-like sensitivity. These miniature technologies allow robots to see, hear, touch, and interpret tactile sensations, essentially acting as the central nervous system that stores and processes data before transmitting it to the robot’s limbs for task execution. This refined tactile sensitivity is paramount for humanoids to operate safely and precisely in diverse environments, from factory production lines to private homes, hospitals, and care facilities.
The Critical Role of MEMS in Humanoid Development
Stefan Hartung, president of Bosch’s board of management, emphasized the complexity of replicating human sensory capabilities during the group’s innovation convention in Berlin. “Humans have four million sensory receptors for touch. If we were to build robots with that number of sensors, given current global sensor production, we would barely manage to create 12,500 robots in four years,” explained Hartung. This highlights the immense potential and the crucial role that advanced sensor technology, particularly MEMS, plays in the future of robotics. Hartung added that this market alone generates one billion euros in annual turnover for Bosch.
MEMS are the key elements that grant humanoids the necessary delicacy to handle objects and react to physical contact. Thanks to these sensors, a robot can precisely adjust the force required to grasp a fragile item or a sturdy tool, ranging from an IV syringe to heavy machinery components.
Europe’s Opportunity in Robotic Automation
Bosch Sensortec has already achieved a significant milestone, having produced over 23 billion MEMS. While the production sites are located in Reutlingen and Dresden, Germany, the Milan centre, alongside its counterparts in Sunnyvale and Singapore, drives the innovation. Stefan Hartung highlighted Europe’s unique position in this evolving industrial segment: “Europe has a huge opportunity for growth in an industrial segment-that of robotic automation-where it boasts specific expertise in both machinery and products. We also hope that a serious commitment to this path will strengthen Europe’s position as a cutting-edge technology hub.”
Tanja Rueckert, Bosch’s global head of innovation, reiterated the broader economic impact: “Every new technology has significant implications for development and employment across the entire supply chain.” The prospects for growth, including for the Milan centre, are substantial, as MEMS are not only vital for robots and humanoids but also for smartphones and other digital devices.
The Milan research centre, established in 2015, has, in a relatively short period, made substantial contributions to innovation and the implementation of strategic projects within the Bosch organization. Its diverse team and collaborative approach ensure that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the rapidly expanding field of humanoid robotics and sensor technology.
Source: https://en.ilsole24ore.com/art/bosch-to-design-humanoid-robots-in-milan-AIlvJmbD
