Quantum sensors have the potential to revolutionize various sectors of our economy, from exploration of natural resources to aircraft navigation and medical technology. Bosch is now significantly extending its collaboration with Element Six to make this technology a commercial reality. The joint venture, known as Bosch Quantum Sensing, will be based at the in-house start-up of the same name, located in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The company will employ 30 associates and be led by Bosch with a 25 percent stake held by Element Six. The establishment of the new company is still subject to official approval. According to Bosch Quantum Sensing, there are many areas in which quantum sensors can be used, including the exploration of natural resources, aircraft navigation, and medical technology. The global market potential of medical and mobility applications alone is estimated to be in the mid-single-digit billion euros range per year by the middle of the next decade. Quantum sensors rely on synthetic diamonds, a key component in these applications. By stepping up its partnership with Element Six, Bosch is making a determined move toward the commercialization of this technology. “Quantum sensors are a future technology with huge potential. They will bring about fundamental changes in many sectors of our economy. In setting up this new company, we are underscoring this technology’s strategic significance to Bosch,” said Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch. The distinctive qualities of these special-purpose synthetic diamonds allow quantum sensors to detect even the tiniest magnetic fields. Bosch and Element Six aim to make quantum sensors economical and produce them on an industrial scale. This will create the basis for innovative applications that set new standards for precision and efficiency.

The synthetic diamond solutions provider is in a unique position to supply the highly engineered synthetic diamonds in the quantity and quality required for industrial applications, while Bosch will integrate them into robust and scalable sensor systems. The latest Bosch quantum sensor prototype is the most compact of its kind, measuring the same size as a modern smartphone. The advantage of developing more compact sensors is their portability, lower production costs, and better scalability. Bosch’s long-term goal is to make quantum sensors so small that they can be integrated onto a chip.

“Through the new joint venture between Bosch and Element Six, we will integrate our synthetic diamond technology with Bosch Quantum Sensing’s capabilities, unlocking new possibilities in critical sectors such as healthcare and navigation,” said Siobhán Duffy, the CEO of Element Six.

Katrin Kobe, CEO of Bosch Quantum Sensing, explained that Bosch wants to work with Element Six to make quantum sensors economical and allow them to be produced on an industrial scale. The new joint venture will unlock new possibilities in critical sectors such as healthcare and navigation. The synthetic diamond solutions provider will supply the highly engineered synthetic diamonds in the quantity and quality required for industrial applications, while Bosch will integrate them into robust and scalable sensor systems. This collaboration between Bosch and Element Six is a significant step towards commercializing the technology. The potential of quantum sensors is vast, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities in various sectors. As Bosch and Element Six work together, they will create a new standard for precision and efficiency in industries such as healthcare and navigation.