April 13, 2022
Bosch
Mariana Eichel has journeyed around the world in her career and found a consistent problem: Parking. Eichel’s journey has led her to be part of the solution to reducing parking issues while making our cities and lives better.
“Where I grew up in Brazil and most other places I’ve been around the world, parking is a hassle, time-consuming, sometimes unsafe, and is responsible for a third of traffic congestion,” Eichel said.
As the project manager and technical lead for Bosch automated valet parking in North America, Eichel led a demonstration in Los Angeles to showcase automated valet parking in action with Mercedes-Benz and its new highly connected EQS electric vehicle.
“Automated valet parking is the first fully automated infrastructure-based driverless parking system available. This solution handles the entire parking process. It’s easy, intelligent, and safe. Many late-model vehicles already have the technology needed for automated valet parking,” Eichel said.
Her journey to this moment began the year she was born when her father was hired by Bosch.
Her 20-plus year career with Bosch began at the age of 14 when Eichel was one of 500 applicants chosen for 15 positions in the Bosch Apprenticeship Program in Brazil. She was one of two women selected to participate in the program.
“I never had a problem being a woman in what at the time was a predominately male environment. It helped to have three older brothers, so it was normal for me. I have always felt comfortable,” Eichel said.
At Bosch, Mariana has advanced through several engineering positions and worked on other connected solutions such as the Perfectly keyless vehicle access system and cybersecurity.
“With this project, I have the opportunity to not only work with carmakers but also architects, developers, and cities to create a better mobility ecosystem,” Eichel said.
Automated valet parking could also be an enabler for electric vehicles by making charging more efficient as well as reimagining how our cities are designed.
“We’re bringing our proficiency in the mobility sector and combining it with our building technologies expertise with cameras to connect vehicles to the infrastructure and develop smart solutions such as this,” Eichel said.
Automated valet parking has other potential applications such as for logistical distribution centers, car rental agencies, airports, and automotive manufacturing operations.
As with her journey, there have been challenges and frustrations managing a breakthrough technology.
“I’m always looking at the positive side of it. What am I learning? It’s my curiosity and the desire to learn new things that have gotten me to where I am today,” Eichel said. “Now, almost 23 years after joining Bosch as an apprentice, I’m here in Los Angeles working on a very exciting project. I look back and see everything I’ve been through, the people I have worked with, the mentors and those that encouraged me that got me to where I am today.”
