Auto giants Bosch and Volkswagen team up for semi-autonomous driving technologies at levels 2 and 3.

Volkswagen's software division, Cariad, and automotive technology giant Bosch have announced a deepened strategic partnership to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the next-generation architecture for all software-defined vehicles across Volkswagen's brands.

The partnership's primary focus is on private motorists, with ambitions to deliver advanced driver assistance features using state-of-the-art AI. By harnessing AI, Bosch and Cariad aim to create a system that can act with natural-like intuition, setting new benchmarks for safety, reliability, and interoperability in the automotive industry.

The system developed by Bosch and Cariad will have control over essential vehicle functions such as powertrain, steering, and braking. This technology is currently being tested in Volkswagen Group vehicles, including the VW ID. Buzz and Audi Q8. The testing is taking place in Europe, Japan, and the United States to cater to a wide range of regulatory and road environments.

The levels of autonomy they are working towards (Level 2 and 3) would allow for "hands off" and in some cases "eyes off" driving. These levels of autonomy can emulate and to a high degree replace human interpretation, decisions, and action. By 2026, Bosch and Cariad want to make the technology production-ready.

Bosch has not publicly announced specific automobile manufacturers that will use its new technology stack yet, but it aims to have this scalable software and services blueprint for OEMs and fleets production-ready around the time of IAA Mobility 2025. Bosch showcased modular solutions for intelligent driver assistance, personalized vehicle dynamics, and electrification technologies at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, indicating readiness to supply its technology stack soon.

Notably, Mercedes-Benz has already achieved Level 3 autonomy with its Drive Pilot system, which is available to customers in Germany, Nevada, and California. This move by Bosch could potentially set new benchmarks for safety, reliability, and interoperability in the automotive industry as they aim to make automated, hands-off driving available to millions of drivers in mainstream and premium cars.

Bosch and Cariad's approach to AI goes beyond traditional uses in automotive, aiming to interpret data from diverse sensors like cameras and radars. This partnership could pave the way for a future where autonomous vehicles become a common sight on our roads.

Auto giants Bosch and Volkswagen team up for semi-autonomous driving technologies at levels 2 and 3.