Sensing solutions for robotics

Vision is central to robotic autonomy, with cameras often placed in the robot’s head or gripper. It enables object recognition, human interaction, and navigation. Yet robots are constantly moving — walking, rotating, vibrating — causing motion blur and image distortion. Bosch Sensortec IMUs provide precise motion data for image stabilization systems, keeping images sharp and properly aligned during processing. This ensures more accurate object detection under varying lighting and motion conditions.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI563

The robot detects when it is falling or changing height and reacts to stay safe thanks to Bosch Sensortec MEMS sensors. IMUs and accelerometers capture real-time dynamic motion such as falling, slipping, or other unwanted accelerations or imbalances. Pressure sensors precisely measure barometric air pressure to monitor subtle height changes. Together, they give the robot a sense of movement and orientation in space.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI088
• BMI563
• BMI423
• BMP581
• BMP585

Encoders are a key technology for precise limb positioning in robots. IMUs provide additional motion data to enhance positioning and motion control. Smart IMUs integrated into body parts such as arms, legs, and the waist monitor and control movements even under dynamic conditions. Magnetometers add absolute heading information, ensuring stable and accurate orientation tracking. Combined with motor control and joint angle measurements from encoders, robots can detect unintended motions such as slippage and adapt to dynamic situations.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI088
• BMI563
• BHI360
• BMM350

Bosch Sensortec gel-filled barometric pressure sensors and IMUs give robots a sense of touch. They detect pressure intensity, distribution, contact force, and 3D hand orientation in real time. This high-resolution tactile sensing enables dexterous manipulation, such as grasping, releasing, and grip adjustment, even without continuous visual input.

Enabling sensors:

• BMP581
• BMP585
• BMI563

Bosch Sensortec MEMS sensors help robots maintain orientation on uneven surfaces. Magnetometers provide heading information to compensate IMU drift, ensuring stable and accurate motion tracking. Smart IMUs with integrated orientation and motion algorithms deliver real-time movement estimation.

For autonomous navigation, robots rely on distance sensors such as LiDAR or 3D depth cameras for mapping and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Bosch Sensortec IMUs track the motion of these systems in real time, while magnetometers ensure accurate heading, enabling smooth 3D mapping and reliable perception even on challenging terrain.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI088
• BMI563
• BMI423
• BHI360
• BMM350
• BMP581

To act intelligently, robots must sense more than just motion or visuals. Environmental sensors from Bosch Sensortec, such as air quality and humidity sensors, enable context-aware behavior. Robots can detect poor air quality, smoke, and gases, suggest ventilation, and provide real-time feedback to users as ambient-aware companions.

Enabling sensors:

• BME690
• BMV080

Vacuum cleaners and mobile robots need to navigate around objects effortlessly, detect room boundaries, and create paths for efficient cleaning. They commonly use distance sensors such as LiDAR or 3D depth cameras to map the environment and perform SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). Bosch IMUs track the motion and orientation of the LiDAR system in real time, while magnetometers provide an absolute heading reference to correct gyro drift. This enables smooth 3D mapping and stable, reliable perception, even on uneven or cluttered household floors.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI088
• BMI563
• BMI423
• BHI360
• BMM350

Vacuum robots with mopping functions require reliable monitoring of the water tank. Bosch Sensortec MEMS sensors continuously measure the fill level, alert the system when the water is low, and prevent dry mopping or overflow. This ensures consistent cleaning performance with minimal user intervention.

Enabling sensors:

• BMP585
• BMP581

Vacuum cleaners rely on a steady airflow for effective suction. Pressure sensors by Bosch Sensortec monitor changes in airflow pathways and detect blockages caused by dust, debris, or clogged filters. When a pressure drop or abnormal flow pattern is identified, the system can reduce motor load, issue a maintenance alert, or adjust cleaning behavior. This ensures consistent performance, protects the motor, and helps users maintain the device more easily.

Enabling sensors:

• BMP585
• BMP581

The robotic gripper arm can detect unexpected movements or height changes and respond to maintain stable operation thanks to Bosch Sensortec MEMS sensors. IMUs and accelerometers capture real-time dynamic motion such as sudden drops, slipping joints, or unintended accelerations and imbalances. MEMS sensors by Bosch Sensortec provide the arm with precise awareness of its motion and orientation in space, enhancing operational reliability.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI088
• BMI563
• BMI423
• BMP581
• BMP585

Bosch Sensortec accelerometers (e.g., integrated in IMUs) monitor vibration patterns inside the robot and help to detect anomalies such as irregular motion or motor faults. This self-monitoring enables early fault detection and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime, preventing failures, and extending operational life.

Enabling sensors:

• BMI088
• BMI563
• BMI423