Hydrogen as an alternative to charge up sustainability 

By OEM Update Editorial June 5, 2024 5:31 pm IST

Hydrogen is the new oil. Focusing on sustainability and hydrogen as a critical component of its CO2-neutral plan, Thomas Fechner, Executive Board member at Bosch Rexroth, shares the plans of Bosch in this line of thought. 

Which sectors contribute the most to diverse applications of Bosch? What is your outlook for the Indian market? 

Bosch Rexroth is a leading player in the hydraulic industry and has a robust presence in factory automation. Our estimated two-thirds of our income comes from mobile and industrial hydraulics and one-third from factory automation. All three pillars are expanding.

The Indian market is promising for Bosch, with a strong manufacturing presence and promising development in all sectors. We have been in the country for decades. Mobile hydraulics and automation sectors are experiencing growth, and this is where Bosch brings in its experience in manufacturing. 

Please share your thoughts on climate-neutral solutions and sustainability promotion from an industry perspective. 

Bosch regards sustainability as a strategic goal. There is a global push to achieve carbon neutrality, with hydrogen playing a pivotal role. Even at Hannover 2024, Bosch focused on showcasing the potential of hydrogen elements. We are constantly demonstrating hydrogen-powered trucks and their journeys to refuelling stations. Bosch has developed advanced solutions to speed up truck refuelling. Our technology and crude oil pump can refill a vehicle in ten minutes. This is a significant improvement compared to the current lengthy process. Rexroth remains synonymous with innovation and leading-edge technology.

We are highlighting hydrogen as an alternative technological and energy pillar and believe it to be the need of the hour. Bosch is providing electro-hydraulic solutions to push sustainability in the oil and gas industry. These are our steps to promote climate-neutral solutions. 

How do you tackle the challenge of a skilled worker shortage in human resources?

 As an enabler and open platform, factory automation allows labourers and skilled people to collaborate. This modern platform reduces silos and creates a mature environment for collaboration. Bosch offers collaborative robots as part of its portfolio, which can help compensate for the labour shortage by connecting and bringing people together. Our mature and modern platform is part of the solution to the labour shortage.

What role does technology play in the transition of Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0?

Industry 4.0 furthers the discussion on connectivity and technology. The world is in transit between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. It is purely a technological game where we figure out how to combine data. There is a constant progression in how data interacts with humans and uses the full potential of data, signifying essential trends. At Bosch, we believe the game ahead is not about technology but rather about leveraging technology to improve efficiency.