20 years of sensing the future: Bosch Sensortec celebrates two decades of innovation
From startup spirit to AI‑driven sensor systems for a connected world
- More than 1 billion intelligent sensors shipped annually – with a vision to reach 10 billion in total by 2030
- AI-powered sensors transform raw data into actionable signals for smartphones, wearables, hearables and smart homes
It all started with a bold idea and a tiny chip. In 2005, Bosch Sensortec was founded by a small team with deep technical knowledge - and one ambitious goal: to make MEMS sensing as essential to consumer electronics as the microprocessor. “We didn’t start at the top,” says Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. “As smartphones began to change the world, we brought deep technical expertise - but had yet to understand the dynamics of fast-moving consumer markets. Looking back after 20 years, what truly made the difference was how closely we worked with our customers. Together, we adapted and turned raw sensor technology into real-world impact.”
From its inception, Bosch Sensortec has grown not just in size, but in vision. Over the past two decades, the company has brought together engineers, developers and innovators from around the world - creating a culture built on trust, persistence and curiosity. As the team looks ahead, it also takes time to reflect on how far it has come.
Today, Bosch Sensortec brings together experts from more than 50 nationalities across 17 global locations - a far cry from the early days in a single meeting room with just a handful of engineers. While the startup phase may be over, the spirit of experimentation remains. “I remember us playing early mobile phone games in that room - just to understand how a gyroscope might enhance the user experience,” says Stefan Finkbeiner.
Building on that hands-on spirit, Bosch Sensortec has since evolved into a provider of intelligent sensing 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 demand more than raw data - they require context and energy-efficient intelligence. Bosch Sensortec meets that need with AI-powered sensors that process data directly on the sensor itself. This ensures privacy, extends battery life, and enables seamless features such as gesture control, indoor navigation and activity recognition.
As the company looks ahead, it remains anchored in its roots. “We still have people on board from those early days,” Finkbeiner adds. “They remind us where we started - and help us stay grounded as we invent what’s next.”
Sensor innovation at Bosch Sensortec has always been driven by miniaturization. “Twenty years ago, our first MEMS accelerometer was 15 times larger in package volume than today’s ultra-compact sensors. Today, you can hardly see these sensors - they’re only slightly bigger than a grain of sand. This incredible miniaturization has enabled Bosch Sensortec to bring intelligent technology,” says Stefan Finkbeiner.
Behind this level of miniaturization lies deep engineering innovation in system integration - combining MEMS and ASIC layers through advanced packaging technologies such as through-silicon vias and buried bonding. This reduces the sensor footprint 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 hardware, developers can update software to adapt functionality - speeding up 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 feature on-sensor intelligence. The company’s long-term goal is to deliver over 10 billion intelligent sensors in total by 2030.
According to the market research & strategy consulting company Yole Group, Bosch is the global market leader in MEMS sensors for the fourth year in a row - proof of its strong customer partnerships, co-engineered platform strategy and sustained investment in innovation.
“Innovation is what sets us apart,” says Finkbeiner. “From silicon to system, we’re building sensor solutions that shape tomorrows connected, sustainable technologies.”
Target devices include smartwatches and fitness bands, specialized sports wearables such as smart clothing, head-mounted devices for AR/VR and audio use, and connected fitness or gaming equipment. These devices benefit from the BHI385’s compact design, embedded intelligence, and advanced motion tracking capabilities.
Two decades in, Bosch Sensortec is just getting started. Its future is built on a strong foundation: a culture of collaboration, engineering excellence - and the shared belief that big change often begins with something small.
Industry perspective: Yole Group on Bosch Sensortec’s journey
Bosch Sensortec’s impact on the MEMS market has also been recognized by long-standing industry observers. Jean-Christophe Eloy, President and Founder of Yole Group, shares his view:
“Bosch Sensortec has been one of the main driving forces in the MEMS industry, as highlighted in Yole Group’s best-selling Status of the MEMS Industry report. The company has evolved from a startup with a strong technical vision into a global leader in intelligent sensing for consumer electronics. At Yole Group, we continue to recognize their lasting impact on the MEMS landscape and see them as well-positioned to shape the next wave of innovation in smart, connected devices.”
