Robotic lawnmower features the same sensors found in active safety systems

The same site was responsible for the development and manufacture of the Suffolk Punch. Introduced in 1954, the Suffolk Punch, which featured components made from pressed steel and lightweight alloys, was one of the first popular mowers to be fitted with a four stroke petrol engine. Times change, but the Stowmarket site is still making lawn mowers. But the company is now owned by Bosch and acts as the headquarters for its Lawn and Garden business. Instead of machines that need to be assisted in making their way around your garden, Bosch's Stowmarket operation has developed the Indego robotic lawn mower. Despite its rather hefty price tag, Indego has become a popular addition to gardens across Europe. Andreas Andorfer, managing director of Bosch Lawn and Garden, said: "The site has a long heritage in mechanical products, but now it's mechanical products with a lot of electronics inside. We're trying to keep on the leading edge of technology." In fact, 13 sensors play a central role in how the lawn mower works. Andorfer added: "These sensors are the same devices that are fitted to active safety systems in cars." Indego brings intelligence to lawn mowing by taking advantage of these integral sensors. Its first job is to work out what it needs to mow. The user needs to install a perimeter wire around the lawn and Indego will follow this on its first outing. Having worked out what the area is, Indego will then determine the optimum mowing pattern. The 13 sensors underpin operation and safety. There's a sensor that detects whether the machine is being lifted. If so, the blades stop rotating almost immediately. Similarly, there's a roll over sensor that stops the blades and a tilt sensor will cut the power if the device is at an angle of more than 45°. Obstacles are detected by touch sensors, which cause the machine to change its direction. And torque sensors make sure Indego's wheels aren't damaging the lawn which it is mowing. Lawn mowing, however, is only one application for Bosch's sensors. According to Peter Fouquet, president of Bosch UK, the company produced 1billion MEMS sensors in 2013 and expects that figure to increase by 30% in 2014. "Bosch is the largest manufacturer of sensors worldwide," he contended. "Around half of all mobile phones will feature a Bosch sensor; for example, a MEMS sensor to provide information about orientation." The UK is Bosch's fifth largest market, with sales of around €4.5bn in 2013. Customers for Bosch sensors come from a range of markets, but automotive is the biggest customer, representing 66% of sales; 10% more than in 2012. Fouquet explained the increase: "Automotive companies are buying more injector systems and sensors, whilst automatic driving will be the future. But we're also supplying sensors for airbags and active safety systems." One particular application for Bosch sensors is in the Nissan Qashqai, whose protective emergency braking systems monitor what's happening in front of the car. "It enables the car to brake before the driver can react," Fouquet explained, "reducing the number of accidents." The system is intended to avoid the nose to tail pile ups which happen when traffic in front stops or slows unexpectedly. Nissan says its technology can detect what's happening up to two cars ahead, providing an earlier alert to the driver if a potential risk is detected, which can help the driver avoid a potential collision. The Predictive Forward Collision Warning system supports the driver by giving information about events outside of the driver's typical field of view. A sensor installed at the front of the vehicle analyses the relative velocity of the vehicle in front and its distance, as well as that of the in front of that one. When the system detects potential risks, it alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings, as well as by tightening the seat belt. And Fouquet expects the market for sensors to continue growing. "Sensors are part of the connected world," he said, "and connectivity and the Internet of Things will be the future for many businesses. Every object around us could be fitted with sensors. "The number of connected devices is growing and 6bn devices can already talk to each other. Bosch sees this as a major opportunity to grow its sensor business and to develop services which will give life a new quality." Bosch has four business sectors: automotive; industrial; energy and buildings technology; and consumer. Each of these has huge potential for the application of sensors. "We're working with partners on, for example, smart homes," he added. Looking to address applications such as these, Bosch Sensortec recently announced what it believes to be a world first in sensor technology – the BME280 integrated environmental unit, which combines sensors for pressure, humidity and temperature in one package. It believes the part will find application in such systems as indoor navigation, home automation control, personalised weather stations and innovative sport and fitness products. With a footprint of 2.5 x 2.5mm, the sensor is suited to space constrained applications such as smart watches and wristbands. According to Bosch, the device could be used to implement indoor climate control applications for smartphones or to integrate altitude profiling into sports applications. Meanwhile, as a connected sensor in the Internet of Things, the BME280 could enable a range of applications in home automation, smart energy, smart transportation and elderly care. In fact, Bosch has big ambitions for the future when it comes to sensors. "The introduction of MEMS sensors in automotive electronics in the 1980s and 1990s marked the first wave of growth. The second major wave has been their widespread incorporation in smart phones, tablets, and games consoles since the beginning of the 21st Century – and the Internet of Things and services now heralds the third wave. We're convinced that it will far surpass the first two waves," said Dr Volkmar Denner, chairman of the Robert Bosch board of management. "Sensors, signal processing, batteries, and transmitters have become so small, energy efficient, and inexpensive – even as all in one units – that they can be used in their billions. And at the same time radio networks are now available almost everywhere." And that's one reason why Bosch has set up its Connected Devices and Solutions business. The new company will focus initially on sensor based applications for smart homes, as well as for traffic, transportation and logistics. "Entirely new services will emerge that will transform people's everyday lives and open up huge new business opportunities. These services will rely on the smart networking of devices within wider systems. Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions is a key strategic step in our plans to expand our portfolio for the internet of things and services," Dr Denner concluded.