Robert Bosch
German engineer who founded Bosch and pioneered the car magneto
- Lived
- 80 yrs
- 1861 – 1942
- Works listed
- 0
- Career highlights
- Honours
- 0
- Awards & distinctions
- Profile views
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Robert Bosch was a German engineer and industrialist who founded the company that bears his name in Stuttgart in 1886. Its high-voltage magneto ignition made early car engines reliable, and Bosch became one of the world’s largest engineering firms. He was known for introducing the eight-hour working day.
Biography
Background
Bosch trained as a precision mechanic and worked in the US for Thomas Edison’s company and in Britain for Siemens.
Workshop
In 1886 he opened a “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart. In 1897 he adapted a magneto ignition for car engines, and in 1902 his engineer Gottlob Honold developed the high-voltage magneto and spark plug.
Global company
Bosch opened branches worldwide and later made headlights, starters and fuel injection.
Social reformer
He introduced the eight-hour day in 1906, funded a hospital in Stuttgart and opposed the Nazis, helping persecuted Jews. Most of the company is owned by the Robert Bosch Foundation.
Timeline
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1861
Born in Albeck, Württemberg, Germany
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1884
Works for Edison in New York
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1886
Opens his workshop
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1897
First car magneto
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1902
High-voltage magneto and spark plug
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1906
Eight-hour working day
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1940
Robert Bosch Hospital opens
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1942
Dies
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1942
Died, aged 80
Did you know?
-
1
He worked briefly for Thomas Edison.
-
2
He was later recognised for helping Jews escape persecution.
-
3
Bosch is the world’s largest car-parts supplier.
Connections
Also born on 23 September
Frequently asked
Who is Robert Bosch?
Robert Bosch was a German engineer and industrialist who founded the company that bears his name in Stuttgart in 1886. Its high-voltage magneto ignition made early car engines reliable, and Bosch became one of the world’s largest engineering firms. He was known for introducing the eight-hour working day.
When did Robert Bosch die?
Robert Bosch died on 12 March 1942 at the age of 80.
Where is Robert Bosch from?
Robert Bosch was born in Albeck, Württemberg, Germany.
What is Robert Bosch known for?
Robert Bosch is best known for Founding Bosch (1886); the magneto ignition and spark plug; progressive working conditions.
References
- Robert Bosch — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Robert Bosch — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
- Robert Bosch (Q71032) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 4 November 2026.
Includes material from the Wikipedia article “Robert Bosch”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. That text is available under the same licence. Learn more
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editorial team; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal under our editorial policy
- First published 4 November 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Robert Bosch.” TrackFame, last updated 4 November 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/robert-bosch
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