Background and Identification
Robert Bosch GmbH (generally, just called Bosch) is a German engineering and technology company based in Stuttgart, Germany. Bosch Home Appliances was founded by German engineer Robert Bosch in 1886. Bosch’s main operating areas include mobility (hardware and software), consumer goods (household appliances and power tools), industrial technology (drive and control), and energy and building technology.
Bosch developed its first home appliance, a home refrigeration unit, in 1933. In 1958, Bosch’s home division introduced the first Bosch washing machine, and the first full-service Bosch washing machines were released in 1960. Bosch’s first washer/dryer combination appliance was produced in 1967. In the 21st century, Bosh washing machines included thermostat-controlled heating to kill 99.9 percent of common bacteria. Other Bosch washing machines include options to reduce energy consumption.
Washing machines (also called laundry machines, clothes washers, or washers) are home appliances used to wash laundry using water. Users add laundry detergent in either liquid or powder form to the wash water and the machine uses agitation to clean laundry. The first English patent for a washing machine was issued in 1691. Washing machines of this era were generally rotating drum washers, meaning they used enclosed containers or bases that had grooves, fingers, or paddles to help agitate laundry. Modern washing machines use direct drive motors where motor speed can be controlled electronically.