Thanks to quantum technology, this will soon allow measurements to be carried out that are nearly 1,000 times more precise than those done by today’s MEMS sensors (MEMS stands for micro-electro-mechanical system). Quantum sensors will, for example, be able to help diagnose neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s more accurately and easily. They can also be used to record nerve impulses, and thus to control artificial limbs one day. These sensors can also detect the tiniest changes in an object’s position.
Bosch has been researching quantum sensing for seven years now, and has built fully functional and powerful demonstrators of a quantum magnetometer and a quantum gyrometer. Quantum magnetometers can, for example, be used to detect the tiny magnetic fields generated by physiological processes, while quantum gyrometers permit the high-precision detection of rotations for the navigation of autonomous systems. The long-term goal is to achieve further miniaturization and integrate the technology on a chip. Moreover, Bosch has been actively involved in eight publicly funded quantum sensing projects, some of them international, since 2018. With this new business unit, Bosch now wants to open up this field for its own strategic purposes.
Market experts are predicting strong growth in quantum sensing applications in the years ahead. In 2021, 22 billion dollars was invested worldwide in quantum technology. According to McKinsey & Co., the market for quantum sensors is expected to grow to as much as 7 billion dollars.
Bosch’s new business unit will be located on the premises of its grow platform GmbH subsidiary in Ludwigsburg. Organisationally, the startup will be assigned to the Bosch Automotive Electronics division, based in Reutlingen.
The CEO of the newly established startup is Katrin Kobe. A physics PhD, she brings to Bosch more than 25 years of management experience with a variety of technology companies. During that time, she developed several new business areas. “As a global company with alliances and expertise in quantum technology, Bosch is seizing the opportunity to make headway with this promising new field in an agile start-up environment.” There are already 15 employees working at the new start-up.