Written by: Brittany Holt
Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) students are uniquely positioned to connect with some of the biggest names in the engineering industry. Students look up to the companies that sponsor the EcoCAR EV Challenge for inspiration and direction in achieving their team’s goals. One great example of a company students can learn from is Bosch. Bosch is a global leader in technologies and services across industries such as automotive, home appliances, industrial technology and more.
Bosch is deeply committed to fostering STEM education and investing in initiatives that support students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Bosch partners with programs like AVTCs to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and resources to succeed in STEM fields. In the EcoCAR EV Challenge, Bosch provides students with access to its cutting-edge automotive technologies, resources, and mentorship from industry experts. This support not only enhances students’ technical skills but also prepares them for the competitive job market, equipping them with practical experience in vehicle electrification, renewable energy, and technology integration.
“For the last decade and over the course of 3 competition series, our students have benefitted from the opportunity to work closely with Bosch engineers,” said Dr. Brian Woerner, Co-Faculty Advisor for the WVU EcoCAR team. “During the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, our team integrated Bosch radars into our sensor fusion algorithm, while in this round of competition we rely on GM stock radars, but Bosch remains active in mentoring and recruiting our students at workshop and competition events.”
During the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, Bosch donated long range radars to the West Virginia University team. These radars were implemented into the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer that the team was working on to aid in team-designed sensor fusion algorithms.
“Bosch’s support staff were essential in getting the radar integrated into our vehicle,“ said Jared Diethorn, CAVs and PCM Lead for the WVU team. “Their product assisted in our first place win in the Year 4 autonomous drive quality event.”
Bosch’s investment in AVTCs also reflects its commitment to environmental stewardship. Through competitions like the EcoCAR EV Challenge, students work on developing cleaner, more sustainable vehicle technologies that address real-world environmental challenges. AVTC projects align with Bosch’s corporate mission of creating products and solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Beyond AVTCs, Bosch’s environmental responsibility extends to its manufacturing and business practices. The company’s sustainability initiatives include energy-efficient production processes, renewable energy use, and waste reduction measures. Bosch also encourages a culture of environmental awareness among its employees, fostering a workforce that values eco-friendly practices. This focus on sustainability and education demonstrates Bosch’s commitment to preparing future engineers for a greener economy and supporting innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.
Through its investment in AVTCs and STEM education, Bosch not only contributes to the development of young professionals but also reinforces its position as a responsible corporate leader in sustainability and environmental advocacy. Stay up to date with Bosch’s commitment to social responsibility and the progression of the EcoCAR EV Challenge by following along throughout Year 3.
