Deutsche Telekom’s Role in Advancing Transportation with 5G
Deutsche Telekom, a global telecommunications leader, is playing a critical role in integrating 5G technology into the transportation sector. With its extensive expertise, the company is actively transforming transportation systems, enhancing them with the benefits of improved connectivity, efficiency, and safety. DT’s real-world applications in various transportation projects demonstrate its commitment to implementing practical and scalable 5G solutions.
- Teleoperated Shuttles in Bonn: Working with MIRA GmbH, Deutsche Telekom has introduced teleoperated shuttles in Bonn, using 5G for real-time data transmission and remote operation, thus improving urban mobility.
- Automated Valet Parking: In partnership with BMW and Valeo, DT has developed automated valet parking systems, showcasing how 5G can enhance parking efficiency and user experience.
- 5G Connectivity in Cars: Collaborating with BMW, DT has brought 5G connectivity to cars, significantly upgrading the in-vehicle experience with better connectivity and entertainment features.
- Network Slicing in Automated Driving: Alongside BMW, Valeo, Ericsson, and Qualcomm, Deutsche Telekom is exploring 5G network slicing and Quality of Service in automated driving, essential for developing future autonomous vehicles.
5G’s Impact on Intelligent Transport Infrastructure
Deutsche Telekom is set to install a 5G network along major transport routes by 2025, a move that will fundamentally support autonomous driving. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to developing interconnected transport systems that rely on fast and reliable communication networks.
The Role of 5G in Safety and Autonomous Systems
5G technology, with its rapid data transmission rates and low latency, plays a crucial role in enhancing safety in driving. It enables automated systems to respond more effectively to unforeseen situations, potentially allowing remote control of vehicles in emergencies.
Network Slicing and Edge Computing for Autonomous Driving
5G network slicing allows for the creation of virtual network levels dedicated to specific functions like automated driving. This capability, coupled with edge computing, ensures faster data processing near transport routes, significantly improving response times for autonomous vehicles.
Future Directions in 5G and Transportation
Deutsche Telekom is not only pioneering current 5G applications in transportation but is also actively preparing for future advancements. Through initiatives like the 5G Early Access Program, the company provides a platform for testing and developing new 5G-based transportation solutions. This program underlines DT’s commitment to continuous innovation in 5G technology, aiming to enhance the customer experience and expand the capabilities of connected vehicles.
In summary, Deutsche Telekom’s ventures in 5G technology are setting new benchmarks in transportation, making it more connected, efficient, and safe. By pushing the limits of what 5G can achieve, DT is paving the way for a new era of transportation solutions, impacting both the industry and the daily lives of people globally.
Project Launch and Goals:ย Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with MIRA GmbH, has initiated a pioneering project in Bonn, introducing 5G teleoperated shuttles. This initiative marks a significant step in integrating advanced technology into public transportation, focusing on enhancing urban mobility.
The Power of 5G in Transportation:ย At the core of this initiative is the application of 5G technology. It is essential for enabling real-time, reliable communication between the shuttle and its remote control center. The high-speed and stable connectivity of 5G is critical for the safe and efficient operation of these remotely controlled vehicles.
Enhancing Efficiency and Responsiveness:ย A primary advantage of the 5G teleoperated shuttles is their potential to improve transportation efficiency significantly. By minimizing idle times and optimizing routes, these shuttles aim to offer a more dynamic public transport system, contributing to reduced traffic congestion and improved urban transit flow.
Safety and Control:ย Safety is a paramount consideration in this project. Continuous monitoring and control facilitated by 5G technology ensure a high level of safety for passengers and pedestrians alike. This aspect is crucial in gaining public trust and acceptance of teleoperated transport solutions.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact:ย Aligned with sustainability goals, the project also focuses on reducing urban emissions. The efficient operation of these shuttles can lead to lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact, making them a greener choice for city transportation.
Learning and Future Prospects:ย The Bonn pilot serves as an experimental platform, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating 5G with public transport. The learnings from this project are crucial in shaping the future of connected vehicles and smarter urban transport networks. As Deutsche Telekom advances these technologies, they pave the way for more efficient, safe, and sustainable public transportation systems in urban environments.
Read more details onย 5G Teleoperated Shuttles in Bonn
Introduction to the Collaboration:ย In an innovative venture, Deutsche Telekom has teamed up with BMW and Valeo to develop an Automated Valet Parking (AVP) system. This project represents a significant advancement in parking solutions, leveraging the capabilities of 5G technology to streamline the parking experience in urban settings.
Role of 5G in Automated Parking:ย The AVP system is anchored on the robust and high-speed connectivity offered by 5G. This technology is crucial for enabling seamless communication between the vehicle, parking infrastructure, and control systems. The reliable and quick data transmission facilitated by 5G is essential for the precision and efficiency required in automated parking scenarios.
Operational Dynamics and User Experience:ย The Automated Valet Parking system designed by the collaboration aims to transform the traditional parking experience. A driver can simply leave their car at the entrance of a designated area, and the vehicle autonomously finds a parking spot. This system not only saves time for the users but also optimizes parking space utilization, addressing common urban parking challenges.
Safety and Reliability:ย In developing the AVP system, a significant focus has been on ensuring safety and reliability. The precision of 5G connectivity ensures that vehicles can navigate and park safely, reducing the risk of accidents and errors. This level of reliability is crucial for user trust and the widespread adoption of automated parking solutions.
Impact on Urban Transportation:ย The Automated Valet Parking system is more than just a convenience feature; it has implications for the broader urban transportation landscape. By improving parking efficiency, the system can contribute to reducing traffic congestion caused by drivers searching for parking. Additionally, the optimized use of space aligns with the broader goals of sustainable urban development.
Future Directions and Development:ย This collaboration is a stepping stone towards more integrated and intelligent urban transportation systems. As Deutsche Telekom, BMW, and Valeo continue to refine and expand the AVP system, it stands as a testament to the potential of 5G in transforming various aspects of transportation and mobility. The continued development and implementation of such technologies are key to realizing smarter, more efficient cities.
Read more details onย Automated Valet Parking with BMW and Valeo
Integration of 5G and e-SIM in BMW Vehicles: Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with BMW, has introduced a use case for in-vehicle connectivity by integrating 5G and e-SIM technologies in BMW vehicles. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the automotive industry, merging telecommunication and automotive technology in a novel way. The BMW iX and BMW i4 have been at the forefront of this integration, showcasing the real-world application of these technologies.
MobilityConnect and Personal-eSIM: Enhancing User Experience:ย Deutsche Telekom’s MobilityConnect, coupled with BMW’s implementation of Personal-eSIM, offers a seamless and enhanced connectivity experience for vehicle owners. This service allows customers to link their vehicle’s connectivity with their mobile 5G network, offering new dimensions of intelligent services within the vehicles. For a monthly fee, customers can add the MobilityConnect option to their mobile contracts, activating the eSIM in their vehicles. This service transforms the vehicle into another connected device in the customer’s digital ecosystem, much like a smartwatch, providing continuous connectivity even when the smartphone is not present in the vehicle.
Benefits of DualSIM-Dual-Active Technology:ย BMW has deployed a DualSIM-Dual-Active setup in their BMW iX and BMW i4 models. This technology enables both eSIMs in the vehicle to be active with 5G simultaneously, offering the full range of services. The integration of a multi-aerial system optimized for 5G in these models ensures high-quality connection and data throughput, enabling a 5G wifi hotspot within the vehicle. This setup significantly improves the in-car entertainment and connectivity experience for passengers.
Customer-Centric Benefits:ย Customers of BMW iX and BMW i4 enjoy an enhanced in-vehicle experience with high bandwidth and low-latency 5G connectivity. This technological leap facilitates superior entertainment options, improved telephony quality, and the capability to host a Wi-Fi hotspot for multiple devices in the vehicle. The 5G connectivity elevates the standard of in-car experiences, offering services like video streaming and cloud gaming directly through the vehicle’s systems.
The Future of 5G in Mobility:ย Looking ahead, 5G technology is set to enhance various aspects of mobility. Beyond enhancing passenger experiences, 5G is critical for developing intelligent traffic systems and real-time safety applications, like black ice warnings and traffic light communication. Deutsche Telekom and BMW are continuously exploring new 5G-based solutions in mobility, expanding the scope of 5G beyond mere passenger needs to encompass automated communication between various interfaces within the vehicle and between road users.
This collaboration between Deutsche Telekom and BMW is a testament to the transformative potential of 5G in the automotive industry, marking a significant step towards smarter, more connected, and more efficient mobility solutions.
Read more details on DT’s 5G-Enhanced Vehicle Connectivity.
Pioneering Automated Driving with 5G Network Slicing: Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with BMW Group, Valeo, Qualcomm, and Ericsson, has made a significant stride in the field of automated driving by conducting the world’s first demonstration of an application supported by 5G Standalone (SA) network slicing. This trial focuses on the crucial role of 5G technology, particularly network slicing and Quality of Service (QoS), in advancing automated driving solutions.
Understanding 5G Network Slicing in Automotive Applications:ย The key to this project is 5G SA’s network slicing capability, which allows different segments of the network to be allocated for specific uses based on requirements such as QoS, performance, security, or latency. This feature is pivotal in ensuring that automated driving systems have the necessary network resources to operate reliably and efficiently, especially in scenarios that demand high bandwidth and low latency.
Quality on Demand for Enhanced Performance:ย A notable aspect of the trial is the use of Quality on Demand (QoD) through Network APIs, enabling the adjustment of network quality based on the varying needs of different applications. This adaptability is essential for the success of mission-critical applications in automated driving, where consistent network performance is vital.
Collaborative Efforts and Technological Integration:ย This trial is a result of collaborative efforts from leading players in both the automotive and telecommunication industries. BMW and Valeo provided the use cases for automated driving, integrating Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF. Ericsson contributed with its cutting-edge 5G SA technologies, supporting QoS through network slicing features.
Real-world Testing and Results:ย The testing environment set up at Deutsche Telekom’s facilities in Berlin showcased how 5G network slicing could support different automotive scenarios. The trials demonstrated the value of QoS features in achieving stable bandwidth and latency, even in congested network conditions. The use of URSP (User Equipment Route Selection Policy) further highlighted how different network slices can cater to various traffic types, ensuring optimal performance for high-priority applications.
Implications and Future Outlook:ย These trials represent a significant advancement in the automotive industry’s journey towards more connected and automated vehicles. The successful demonstration of 5G network slicing in real-world scenarios opens up new possibilities for automotive manufacturers and telecommunication providers to collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance vehicle connectivity, safety, and performance. As Deutsche Telekom and its partners continue to explore and develop these technologies, they pave the way for a future where 5G is an indispensable component of the automotive landscape, driving forward the evolution of smart, connected transportation.
Read more details onย DT’s Automated Driving Trials with 5G Network Slicing and QoS