Bosch, the world's largest automotive supplier, is set to roll out the technology required for semi autonomous driving. The company says it now has production contracts to supply radar, cameras, control units and other technology in 2017 and 2018.

Wolf-Henning Scheider, a member of Bosch's management board said at the recent 2015 Automotive News World Congress, that Bosch has a four-stage timetable to introduce technology for autonomous driving. This is;

• Integrated highway assist: In 2017, the vehicle would travel up to 75 mph on motorways remaining within its lane, while the motorist keeps his eyes on the road.

• Highway assist: In 2018, the vehicle would move at high speeds on the highway, and would change lanes with the driver's approval. The motorist would keep his eyes on the road.

• Highway pilot: By 2020, the vehicle would manoeuvre itself on the highway while the motorist attends to other tasks, such as reading, chatting with passengers, working on his computer, etc. The motorist would be prepared to take over quickly, if necessary. If the motorist is unable to do so, the car would pull over and stop itself.

• Auto pilot: Around 2025, the vehicle would drive itself from door to door without the motorist's intervention.

Bosch says it has production contracts to supply components for integrated highway assist and highway assist in 2017 and 2018 to an unnamed customer. The company is also working with Google to develop driverless cars.