Automated driving series to debut by 2026, as pledged by Bosch and Volkswagen, with European manufacturing confirmed.
Bosch and Volkswagen Unveil Plans for Mass-Market Automated Driving by Mid-2026
In an exciting development for the automotive industry, Bosch and Volkswagen have announced their joint venture to create an automated driving software stack. The technology, currently in active development, is expected to hit mass-market production by mid-2026, marking a significant step towards the future of autonomous driving.
The software, which will initially support Level 2 and Level 3 assisted and automated driving, is being tested in fleets including Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz and Audi Q8 models. Hundreds of new test vehicles with comprehensive sensors are being used to collect vast driving data to train and optimize the AI stack, especially for complex edge cases.
Bosch and Volkswagen's software unit, CARIAD, are focusing on assisted and automated driving where drivers can take their hands off the wheel in certain conditions. The system aims to be safer, more comfortable, and convenient, designed to handle all core cognitive driving tasks, including object recognition and decision-making for controlling steering, brakes, and acceleration.
The technology will be integrated into Volkswagen Group’s new, flexible vehicle software platform, allowing for broad deployment across vehicle segments. Bosch intends to offer this automated driving software solution to other automakers globally, extending its impact beyond the Volkswagen Group.
Initially, the autopilot will only be used on highways due to regulatory reasons. However, Bosch and Volkswagen hope that in the future, the autopilot can also be used on country roads and in cities. The technology they have developed together will be ready for use in series production vehicles by mid-2026.
The development of the autopilot software is a joint venture between Bosch and Volkswagen, and it is a complete in-house development based on artificial intelligence (AI), with no US tech conglomerates as cooperation partners. Interest in the technology from manufacturers in Asia, Europe, and North America is high.
Mathias Pillin, Chief Technology Officer of Bosch's automotive division, and Peter Bosch, head of Volkswagen’s central software division Cariad, have both stated that they are not developing a niche product, but rather aiming to make automated driving a mass product starting next year. The technology they are offering is expected to be affordable due to Volkswagen’s high production volumes. Peter Bosch mentioned that the technology can still generate profit while being affordable.
[1] Bosch Press Release: Bosch and CARIAD jointly develop automated driving software stack
[2] Volkswagen Press Release: Volkswagen and Bosch develop automated driving software
- The joint venture by Bosch and Volkswagen, CARIAD, is focusing on developing an affordable automated driving software that will be compatible with various vehicle segments across the automotive industry.
- The industry-leading technology in question, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), is set to revolutionize the transportation sector as it progresses from test vehicles to mass-market production by mid-2026, initially for use on highways.
- The collaboration between Bosch and Volkswagen in the development of automated driving software extends beyond the Volkswagen Group, with interest from manufacturers in Asia, Europe, and North America high, hinting at potential future growth and expansions in the finance and technology industries.
