Bosch CEO Expresses Concern over AI Regulations in Europe Impacting Autonomous Vehicle Technology
In a keynote address at Tech Day 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany, Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung expressed concerns about Europe's current AI regulatory environment, suggesting it is hindering the continent's progress and competitiveness in the global AI race[1][2].
Hartung highlighted that Europe's excessive and overly bureaucratic regulations, particularly in high-risk areas like autonomous driving technology, are causing unnecessary delays in AI progress. The EU's AI Act, designed to safeguard fundamental rights and limit potential AI risks, imposes continuous testing, monitoring, and documentation requirements that are difficult to implement clearly[4].
The lack of defined guidelines and standards for high-risk AI systems is causing confusion and slowing innovation. Hartung cautioned that the regulatory framework risks "regulating Europe to death" by attempting to curb technological progress through excessive controls rather than enabling it[1][2]. He urged policymakers to focus regulation only on the most crucial aspects to avoid stalling AI advancements.
Despite these challenges, Bosch remains committed to AI development, planning to invest over 2.5 billion euros by 2027 to advance AI technologies, including for autonomous driving[1][2][5]. Bosch's investment is expected to contribute significantly to the automated driving software sector by 2030, with revenues from automated driving software doubling to €10 billion ($11.7 billion)[3].
Bosch is heavily involved in developing AI across various products, including kitchen equipment, construction tools, autonomous driving software, and systems[6]. The success of Bosch's AI Academy suggests that investment in AI education could yield positive results. However, Hartung warned that Europe's lack of investment in AI education could lead to a lack of security and sovereignty in the future.
Hartung expressed concern that Europe's strict and unclear AI regulations make it less attractive for AI development compared to China and the U.S[1][3]. Stanford University's annual AI Index for 2024 shows that 40 significant AI models were developed in the U.S., 15 in China, and three in Europe despite Europe's competitive advantage[3].
It is worth noting that Bosch owns the majority of AI global patents in Europe, but Hartung did not provide any new information about this in his speech[1][2]. Hartung did not mention any specific plans to change Europe's AI regulations in his speech, leaving open the question of how policymakers will address his concerns.
In conclusion, Hartung's speech underscores the need for policymakers to carefully consider the impact of regulations on AI development and competitiveness. By focusing on clear guidelines and standards, and avoiding excessive controls, Europe can better position itself to compete in the global AI race, particularly in critical, high-risk fields.
Sources: [1] Bosch. (2025). Bosch CEO warns Europe's AI regulations could hinder progress and competitiveness. Retrieved from https://www.bosch.com/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/bosch-ceo-warns-europes-ai-regulations-could-hinder-progress-and-competitiveness.html [2] Reuters. (2025). Bosch CEO warns Europe's AI regulations could hinder progress and competitiveness. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/bosch-ceo-warns-europes-ai-regulations-could-hinder-progress-competitiveness-2025-04-20/ [3] Stanford University. (2024). Stanford AI Index for 2024. Retrieved from https://aiindex.stanford.edu/2024-report/ [4] European Commission. (2021). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12527-Proposal-for-a-Regulation-on-Artificial-Intelligence-Artificial-Intelligence-Act_en [5] Bosch. (2025). Bosch to invest €2.5 billion in AI by 2027. Retrieved from https://www.bosch.com/presse/pressemitteilungen/2025/bosch-to-invest-e2-5-billion-in-ai-by-2027.html [6] Bosch. (2025). AI at Bosch. Retrieved from https://www.bosch.com/innovation/artificial-intelligence/
The Bosch CEO pointed out that Europe's excessive regulations in high-risk areas like autonomous driving technology, caused by the EU's AI Act, are hindering AI progress, potentially leading to regulatory obstacles stifling innovation. Hartung advocated that policymakers should focus regulation on essential aspects to encourage AI advancements while maintaining clear guidelines and standards.
