Bosch IoT’s Impact in Asia Pacific: Trends, Challenges, and Success Stories

Thomas Herrmann, Chief Sales Officer and Head of Global Sales and Marketing at Bosch.IO, explains how Bosch’s cutting‑edge technologies empower Asia Pacific customers to implement robust IoT solutions. He highlights the critical importance of integrating and managing IoT gateways and edge devices for successful deployments.

What role does Asia Pacific play for the Bosch IoT business?

Bosch has been a trusted partner in Asia for nearly a century, and that reputation is now fueling the rollout of our IoT portfolio across the region. While competitors are rapidly entering the high‑growth market, the trust our brand has earned gives us a clear advantage.

"No one can do the IoT alone," Herrmann says. – Bosch

What is the current state of digitization and IoT in Asia Pacific?

IoT transcends borders, yet Asia Pacific is already a global leader in both technology and adoption. According to IDC, by 2020 the region would host 8.6 billion of the world’s 29.5 billion connected devices, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the industry.

Our experience in Europe—such as over‑the‑air software and firmware updates (SOTA/FOTA) for automotive customers—has proven the value of connected solutions worldwide, and we now bring that expertise to Asia.

Are there any particular regional differences regarding IoT in Asia Pacific?

The region’s diversity is a driver for innovation. In China, speed and agility are paramount. Singapore’s market demands clear ROI, while Japan’s executives focus on technical depth and long‑term reliability.

Which specific IoT software requirements do you see in Asia Pacific?

Gateway and device management are the backbone of any IoT solution. Without secure, reliable connectivity, edge devices cannot deliver the value that digital transformation promises.

Recent surveys label IoT devices as an “enterprise security time bomb” because most companies cannot even locate them on their networks. Manual management of millions of devices is untenable. For example, AT&T recorded a 458 % jump in vulnerability scanning of IoT devices over the past two years. Device‑management software mitigates these risks by providing remote monitoring, secure firmware updates, and centralized control.

"When it comes to IoT, there is no Asia, or any other region. IoT has no borders." – Thomas Herrmann, Bosch.IO

What are your favorite Bosch IoT projects in Asia Pacific?

In Singapore, MANN+HUMMEL is leveraging our IoT Remote Manager to develop cleaner‑air filters that gather data to reduce vehicle‑borne dust. The system manages connectivity for potentially millions of field devices.

Another notable project is The Yield, an Australian start‑up that uses Bosch’s platform to monitor farm micro‑climates and crop health—from oyster beds to orchards—enabling data‑driven decisions that save time and resources.

Plantect, launched by Bosch Japan, is an AI‑powered disease‑prediction system for greenhouse tomatoes, illustrating our commitment to smart agriculture across the region.

The canteen of Bosch Singapore has been upgraded with connected thermal‑comfort controls, while a partnership with an Australian oyster farm reduced unnecessary harvest closures by 30 % through real‑time device management.

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Beyond technology, what is on the IoT agenda in Asia?

Collaboration is key. Digital transformation is no longer about buyers and sellers; it’s about partners who co‑create solutions. Bosch works hand‑in‑hand with customers to identify business cases and build IoT offerings that deliver tangible value for all stakeholders.

As Bosch says, “No one can do the IoT alone.”

Thomas Herrmann

Thomas Herrmann joined Bosch in 1996 as a project lead for automotive safety solutions. After leading teams in automotive and energy sectors, he transitioned to Bosch.IO in July 2016, where he now oversees sales of the Bosch IoT Suite and drives marketing initiatives.