Bosch Expanding Airbag Protection

Bosch announced that it will continue expanding its airbag safety systems with the introduction of the airbag electronic control unit (ECU), Airbag 10, set to be released to OEM customers in 2007. This latest generation ECU will reportedly be able to process data much faster, enabling the integration of additional safety functions to further offer safety to all vehicle occupants.

The Airbag 10 can be integrated with up to 24 restraint devices, is nearly 70 percent smaller and consists of fewer components than previous ECU’s. This system has the capability to provide safety for all passengers and can be integrated with pedestrian protection electronics and interior occupant sensors.

Airbag 10 is reportedly suitable for all vehicle classes — from subcompact to luxury sedan.

Also, in 2005, Robert Bosch Corporation is celebrating the 25th
anniversary of its first worldwide production of an airbag ECU. Bosch first introduced the technology on the 1980 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and has since seen airbag systems grow into an important, life-saving technology.

The original ECU consisted of three components and controlled only a single airbag on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Today, there is hardly a new car to be found without at least one airbag and in many countries this passive restraint system has become mandatory.