Bosch has announced a €2.5 billion investment in artificial intelligence through 2027, marking a strategic commitment to embed AI across its global product lines—from manufacturing and mobility to smart technologies. The German industrial conglomerate says it aims to shape the future of automated systems while also calling for regulatory reform in Europe.
Automated driving and AI-led innovation at the core
At the heart of Bosch’s AI push is its ambition to lead in automated driving systems. The company expects revenue from its software, sensors, high-performance vehicle computers, and connectivity components for automated and assisted driving to exceed €10 billion by the mid-2030s. Bosch is already a leading patent holder in the space, having filed more than 1,500 AI-related patent applications over the past five years.
Chairman of the board of management, Stefan Hartung, noted that AI is now unlocking new technology frontiers that not only enable faster innovation but also allow these innovations to be commercialized more efficiently. Bosch’s focus spans both consumer and industrial sectors, as it moves to integrate AI capabilities into nearly all aspects of its operations.
Regulatory red tape could stunt AI progress, warns Hartung
Despite the company’s confidence, Hartung raised serious concerns about Europe’s current AI regulatory landscape. In remarks delivered at a tech conference in Stuttgart, he cautioned that overregulation, bureaucratic slowdowns, and vague compliance requirements could drive innovation out of the region.
“Otherwise, we will regulate ourselves to death, because we are trying to regulate against technological progress,” Hartung warned, calling for a more balanced policy approach that focuses on essential safeguards without stifling advancement.
His comments come amid growing global competition in the AI race, particularly following the United States’ aggressive push under the Trump administration to invest $500 billion in private-sector AI infrastructure. Speaking earlier at the Paris Summit, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Europe’s restrictive policies and advocated an America-first AI growth strategy.
Bosch maintains long-term R&D momentum
Bosch’s AI investment is part of its broader R&D momentum. The company invests around $5 billion annually in research and development and has steadily expanded its AI initiatives over the past decade. In addition to automotive applications, Bosch also sees opportunity in smart home technologies, industrial automation, and connected infrastructure.
The company emphasized that its deep industrial expertise, combined with a proactive AI strategy, gives it a strong foundation to lead responsibly in the field. The €2.5 billion allocation will fuel both product development and foundational research, with a particular emphasis on scalable and safe AI systems.
As AI continues to redefine industrial processes and consumer experiences, Bosch is positioning itself at the intersection of innovation and ethics—pushing technological boundaries while advocating for smarter, not stricter, oversight.
