According to Vodafone, they are currently testing out new technology designed to prevent vehicle crashes. They have designed a system that allows cars to send messages to each other indicating whether they are changing lanes, making emergency stops and more.
David Lister, 5G Research Manager at Vodafone Group said vehicles have become both safer and smarter in recent years due to the role of embedded cellular communications. However, they still have a long way to go.
“Wouldn’t it be better if there were fewer crashes, reducing the 25,000 annual fatalities?” Lister wrote in a statement. “While some of the features in new cars such as automatic braking, lane-tracking and blind spot warning already help to reduce crashes, they depend on sensors within the vehicle which have a limited range. Vodafone is now testing new technology to enable vehicles to talk to each other and to roadside infrastructure over greater distances.”
The system has been named LTE-V2X, and it works by using a high speed 5G connection that allows drivers to “chat” with each other. According to Lister, it “promises to bring about a transformational change to driving, vehicle safety and traffic congestion management.”
“With this system, vehicles will be able to become much more aware of both their immediate and surrounding environment. For example, a car which is part of the ITS will be able to tell other cars of its intention to change lane or to signal an emergency stop. The vehicle could also be told the optimal speed to drive in order to avoid traffic congestion,” he said.
Vodafone plans to unveil the new technology in Europe by 2020. It will then be released to the rest of the world, and will connect vehicles, cameras, traffic lights and the network. Eventually, it will even allow drivers to communicate with public transport and pedestrians.
Vodafone will be discussing the software at the Paris Motor show from 1-16 October 2016.
Leave a Reply