Ericsson, Orange and PSA Group collaborate on 5G connected car

Ericsson, Orange and PSA Group have signed a partnership agreement to conduct a 5G technology pilot project for automotive applications. The “Towards 5G” connected car partnership aims to leverage 4G to 5G technology evolution to address connected vehicle requirements such as intelligent transport systems (ITS), improve road safety, and enable new automotive and in-car services.

The partnership will focus on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) architecture, as well as the technologies required to deploy real-time ITS and connected vehicle services. Initial tests will use an end-to-end architecture system based on LTE technology before evolving to LTE-V and 5G technologies. The first use-cases for Cooperative ITS have been defined and are currently being tested. These include the ability to share images between connected vehicles on a road so that the driver in the following vehicle can “see through” the vehicle ahead; and real-time notification that an emergency vehicle is approaching. Further testing will be conducted in 2017 as part of this research initiative. The “Towards 5G” connected car initiative is an important opportunity for the three partners to combine their expertise in connected vehicles to meet the challenges posed by new mobility services and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Ericsson is contributing radio equipment and a virtualized, distributed network core that will offer network slicing and intelligent geo-messaging services. Orange provides the cellular network and associated spectrum for the test site, as well as embedded connectivity integrating vehicular applications. The PSA Group is responsible for defining the needs of each use case, integrating the vehicles’ embedded components and validating the customer experience. As a result of their collaboration, the partners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for a 5G infrastructure that meets the needs of the connected vehicles industry. The project will also enable the partners to identify new services and solutions that contribute to improving road safety and enhancing the customer experience.

“Connected IoT services are a crucial way to enhance the user experience for our customers, who today demand unprecedented levels of comfort and convenience as well as personalised services in their vehicles,” said Carla Gohin, Research, Innovation and Advanced Technologies VP, PSA Group.

“Connected vehicles are part of our IoT strategic vision along with home, smart cities, e-health and Industry 4.0. Vehicle manufacturers expect us to provide the connectivity they need for remote maintenance management, for example, or to keep on-board systems software permanently up-to-date. By teaming with Ericsson and PSA Group, we are combining our capabilities to drive 5G development for innovative services with the perspective of the availability of 5G by 2020,” said Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière, Executive Vice-President, Innovation, Marketing and Technologies, Orange.

“5G technology will play a key role in the transport system of tomorrow. Ericsson is bringing Networks, IT and specific innovative solutions to the automotive industry. Along with key players like PSA and Orange, we will ensure the required levels of safety and security as well as contributing to a more sustainable and smart society,” said Charlotta Sund, Vice- President & Head of Customer Group Industry & Society, Ericsson.