Since its founding, Bosch Sensortec has grown not only in size, but also in vision. Over the past two decades, the company has brought together engineers, developers and innovators from around the world and created a culture based on trust, perseverance and curiosity. As the team looks to the future, it also takes time to reflect on how far it has come.
Today, Bosch Sensortec brings together experts from more than 50 nations in 17 locations around the world – a far cry from its beginnings in a single meeting room with just a handful of engineers. The start-up phase may be over, but the spirit of experimentation remains. “I remember playing early mobile games in that room – just to understand how a gyroscope could improve the user experience,” says Stefan Finkbeiner.
Building on this hands-on approach, Bosch Sensortec has since evolved into a provider of intelligent sensor systems that integrate MEMS technology, embedded software and edge AI. These systems are now at the heart of everyday products – from smartphones and wearables to smart homes and hearables.
Connected devices today need more than just raw data – they need context and energy-efficient intelligence. Bosch Sensortec meets these requirements with AI-powered sensors that process data directly on the sensor itself. This ensures data protection, extends battery life and enables seamless functions such as gesture control, indoor navigation and activity recognition.
The company is also staying true to its roots as it looks to the future. “We still have employees from the early days on board,” adds Finkbeiner. “They remind us of where we started – and help us stay grounded as we invent the future.”
Sensor innovation at Bosch Sensortec has always been driven by miniaturization. “Twenty years ago, our first MEMS accelerometer was 15 times larger than today’s ultra-compact sensors. Today, these sensors are barely visible – they are only a little bigger than a grain of sand. This incredible miniaturization has enabled Bosch Sensortec to bring smart technology to the market,” says Stefan Finkbeiner.
Behind this level of miniaturization is a profound technical innovation in system integration – the combination of MEMS and ASIC layers through advanced packaging technologies such as through-silicon vias and buried bonding. This reduces the footprint of the sensor and enables AI computation directly on the chip.
This opens the door to new applications in space-constrained environments – from true wireless stereo earbuds and wearables to smart home devices. Instead of redesigning the hardware, developers can update the software to customize functionality – shortening time to market and enabling broader use cases.
In 2024 alone, Bosch Sensortec shipped more than 1 billion integrated MEMS sensors. By 2027, 90% of the portfolio will have on-sensor intelligence. The company’s long-term goal is to deliver a total of over 10 billion intelligent sensors by 2030.
According to market research and strategy consultancy Yole Group, Bosch is the global market leader in MEMS sensors for the fourth year in a row – a testament to its strong customer partnerships, jointly developed platform strategy and sustained investment in innovation.
“Innovation is what sets us apart,” says Finkbeiner. “From silicon to systems, we develop sensor solutions that shape the connected, sustainable technologies of tomorrow.”
Target devices include smartwatches and fitness wristbands, special sports wearables such as smart clothing, head-mounted devices for AR/VR and audio applications as well as connected fitness or gaming devices. These devices benefit from the compact design, embedded intelligence and advanced motion sensing capabilities of the BHI385.
After two decades, Bosch Sensortec is just getting started. Its future is built on a strong foundation: a culture of collaboration, technical excellence – and a shared belief that big changes often start with small steps.
Industry perspective: Yole Group on the evolution of Bosch Sensortec
Bosch Sensortec’s impact on the MEMS market has also been recognized by long-time industry observers. Jean-Christophe Eloy, President and Founder of Yole Group, shares his view: “Bosch Sensortec is one of the key drivers in the MEMS industry, as highlighted in Yole Group’s best-selling report “Status of the MEMS Industry”. The company has grown from a start-up with a strong technical vision to a global leader in smart sensors for consumer electronics. At Yole Group, we continue to recognize its lasting impact on the MEMS landscape and see it as well-positioned to help shape the next wave of innovation in smart, connected devices.”
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Further links
👉 www.bosch-sensortec.com
Photo: Bosch Sensortec
