Micromechanical sensors, or MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems), have been made possible by miniaturisation in mechanical engineering. The use of silicon technology in the manufacturing process allows the sensors to be produced measuring no more than a few square millimetres. Included within these tiny mechanical structures are springs, beams, weights and diaphragms measuring thousandths of a millimetre. It is these sensors which are used to measure mechanical variables such as fuel-injection pressure, acceleration, yaw rate, fluid levels and quality as well as triggering safety features such as airbags or roll bars on a vehicle.

MEMS sensors are a better alternative to conventional sensors as they are smaller, lighter, more economical, more precise and more reliable. Without these sensors, engineering innovations such as ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) would not be able to offer the range of functions, high reliability or economy that they do.

Bosch began researching the development and manufacture of sensors in the mid-1980s and has been producing MEMS sensors on a large scale since 1995. It is due to this level of experience that Bosch is now the global market leader in the supply of MEMS sensors to the automotive industry. Key to the Bosch 3-S program, the aim of these ubiquitous sensors is to make motoring as safe, clean and economical as the latest technology allows.

Note to editors:

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2004, some 242,000 employees generated sales of €40 billion. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering,” the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of some 260 subsidiaries and more than 10,000 service centres in over 130 countries.

The special ownership structure of the Bosch Group guarantees its financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It makes it possible for the company to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future, as well as to do justice to its social responsibility in a manner reflective of the spirit and will of its founder. The charitable foundation, Robert Bosch Stiftung, holds 92% of the shares of Robert Bosch GmbH. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG.

Bosch media enquiries:

Chris Wakley/ David Eden
Automotive PR
Tel: 020 7494 8050
Email: cwakley@automotivepr.com / deden@automotivepr.com

Bosch OE enquiries:

Beverley Daniels
Corporate Affairs Manager
Robert Bosch Limited
Tel: 01895 878155
Email: beverley.daniels@uk.bosch.com