In vehicles, 5G technology keeps them constantly connected, much like it does with personal phones. This connectivity facilitates continuous communication between the car and other systems, such as Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle to Device (V2D), Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle to Cloud (V2C), and Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P). This robust connection enables reliable communication to and from vehicles, offering drivers several benefits:
Accuracy and Safety: 5G enhances the safety, intelligence, and environmental friendliness of vehicle transportation by providing precise data to Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) and Connected Automated Vehicles (CAV), also known as self-driving cars. This technology supports communication between vehicles and their surroundings, enabling safe driving, parking, and accident avoidance. Additionally, ongoing developments aim to provide drivers with local weather updates to avoid storms, calculate alternative routes based on arrival times, and offer entertainment and information through in-vehicle infotainment systems.
Tracking and Tracing: Constantly updated, 5G technology underpins innovations in vehicle tracking and tracing. In 2022, researchers from the University of East London developed a new technique that improved the tracking accuracy of mobile vehicles to 6.3 meters, compared to the standard GPS accuracy of 7.8 meters. The Internet of Things (IoT), integrated with car software via 5G, maintains connectivity, allowing for the tracking of new vehicles. Data such as location, in-vehicle temperature, and the number of phones present in the car can be recorded for various triangulation purposes.
Smart Charging: 5G technology also enhances the charging infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EVs), enabling EV chargers to communicate and optimize the charging process by adjusting supply. This helps overcome the economic and technological barriers associated with EV charging. While most EV chargers currently operate on Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or 4G, 5G-powered carriers are expected to expand, improving the overall charging experience.
The integration of technology and the automotive industry is also evident in the use of 5G in manufacturing. The concept of "Industry 4.0" relies on enhanced data for better real-time understanding and decision-making. For manufacturers, combining 5G technology with machine learning and AI leads to a more efficient production process, which can be improved by:
Predictive Maintenance: With continuous connectivity through 5G, machine learning, and cloud systems, cars can perform diagnostics that notify manufacturers of any issues or necessary maintenance as soon as they arise.
Digital Twin: Data collected through digital twin technology helps manufacturers accelerate production and improve processes using machine learning insights.
Data Collection: Continuous connectivity allows manufacturers to gather data on their vehicles, observe patterns and trends, and survey drivers via apps to gain feedback on drivability and software performance.
Increased Safety: Enhanced data enables more frequent and justified maintenance, augmenting safety controls and standards.
Knowledge Sharing Among Manufacturers: Automotive industry partners can share or sell data to exchange information on quality issues, energy usage, and other important metrics.
Faster Time to Market: The integration of IoT, digital twin, AI, 5G, and similar technologies, combined with robotization, speeds up vehicle assembly and optimizes the supply chain.
5G also plays a significant role in supply chains. Previously, auto manufacturers would learn about potential supply chain and transportation delays only when it was possible. With the implementation of 5G, manufacturing teams will soon be able to receive real-time updates about delays in specific transportation segments, thanks to stronger data connections. As 5G becomes more widespread, logistics providers will share data that helps optimize global supply chains for auto businesses. Effective collaboration will rely on data mining, management, collection, and architecture.
Antonio Fondevilla, Global Head of Automotive at Maersk, supports this, stating: “This technology allows the whole process to be carried out smartly: from better knowledge when manufacturing to driving and interacting with our cars.” Enhanced connectivity between equipment and machines will enable manufacturers to plan alternatives in case of disruptions, ensuring supply chain reliability and avoiding extra costs. Ultimately, merging data will allow for optimal orchestration of manufacturing processes.
Which way do 5G-connected cars go in the future?
Looking ahead, the convergence of technology and the automotive industry promises significant advancements. According to Forbes in 2021, "vehicle-to-everything" technology is set to transform car ownership and usage, driving automotive manufacturers to develop new capabilities that will fundamentally alter our interaction with vehicles. The growing demand for luxurious, safe, and smart vehicles will see 5G and similar technologies enhancing performance throughout the entire automotive process.
Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) are becoming crucial for autonomous driving and road safety, with 5G enabling the high-accuracy positioning necessary for the most demanding autonomous driving functions, as noted by the IEEE Communications Society. The future will see further development of autonomous driving, powered by Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X), which facilitates interactions between vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, road infrastructure, and mobile networks.
This technological evolution will open up unlimited possibilities, reshaping the way we drive—or perhaps eliminating the need to drive at all as autonomous systems take over. The integration of these advancements will lead to smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation systems.
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