5G technology appears to be the next gateway to the future of the internet and technology. Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) projects are expected to thrive on 5G. Experts believe that the next generation connectivity capabilities will power a world full of safety possibilities.
Today’s vehicles come with many amazing features. Some of these features emphasize safety, for instance, a blind spot alert or lane-assist system. Other features offer a lot of convenience including Bluetooth or navigation system and voice functionality.
Shifting attention to a world that is linked by 5G, the potential is quite exciting and impressive. However, it is believed that 5G’s main impact will not be the many engaging features that offer users convenience in their daily lives. Instead, 5G will reduce risk and enhance safety while simultaneously offering many solutions for the normal challenges that drivers encounter while on the road.
Automakers have strived to focus on safety. Nonetheless, the new technology will give them capabilities that they may have never thought existed. Also, new considerations come up: as vehicles transform to accommodate megaphones of data, they must have proper cybersecurity infrastructure. These protocols should come in a similar mindset to automotive insurance for the physical car.
The Automotive Future Is In 5G Technology
Experts and analysts believe that 5G technology will give vehicles of the future many functionalities that are not yet available currently. In short, 5G is the next generation of wireless technology after the existing 4G.
Telecommunications firms have prepared for the rollout for several years but the first 5G network went live in 2019. In the United States, the rollout of 5G has progressed slowly as a result of the size of the country and the close distribution needs of the 5G antennas. As it is anticipated, urban zones will receive 5G sooner than the rural areas.
The main advantage over the 4G networks is the growth in bandwidth for data transfers. Also, the increase in download and upload speeds will be advantageous for mobile phone users. 5G will also benefit all data devices on the network including computers, internet of things (IoT) devices, and vehicles.
This technology is quite important for the progression of automation in vehicles and it is a crucial need for a majority of the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) capabilities getting introduced.
While the automotive sector has now achieved impressive technical feats in this industry, there are many ways in which the next-generation connectivity will enhance safety for communities and drivers.
Connected Ambulances
An example where 5G technology may introduce more value is in a connected ambulance. Whenever an ambulance is going to an emergency room, the amount of information that is transmitted to the hospital is limited and those waiting to receive the ambulance might sometimes not prepare adequately.
Take into context all of the questions that an ER doctor may want to ask. Was the patient injured? Who is the patient? Thus, 5G may provide life-saving insight and detail. The technology may bring in a robotic arm in the back of the ambulance where the doctor can operate on the patient via telepresence capabilities.
All these activities can be accomplished while the ambulance is in transit also helping triage a critical situation or element. By using virtual reality (VR) connectivity, a virtual doctor can save lives. 5G technology’s ability to enhance real-time data in majorly complex systems may give ambulances of the future far more versatility and get patients into medical hands quickly.
The Catalonian Government implemented the technology in 2019 in Barcelona, developing a communication channel that may broadcast videos instantly, enabling doctors to offer excellent care remotely while the patient is still inside the ambulance.
Smart Transportation Method
In a city and vehicle connected by the 5G network, cars can see around corners before they even approach them. All major intersections where accidents and crashes happen often due to drivers running stop signs, blind spots, or drivers ignoring red lights, will have 5G connectivity. This capability will send traffic data to other motorists in the areas as they approach to avert collisions and accidents.
Since 5G technology can process data quickly, it can prevent the occurrence of accidents. The connected vehicles would be constantly aware of where they are within the smart grid which might also help inner-city parking. Disorganized parking is said to be one of the major causes of traffic congestion in most urban areas.
But with 5G, drivers can identify the available spots in real-time throughout any connected smart city.
Fleet Deployment
In most cases, the trucking fleets are constantly moving as they transport many types of items and shipments from one place to the other. Some of the items being transported are manufactured using hazardous materials. If a crash occurs and spillage happens on a highway, it may result in severe safety-compromising issues. 5G technology may offer proactive issue-resolution for the connected fleets via preventative maintenance.
Discovering the early signs of a serious issue within the vehicle before it arises can help in reducing the number of maintenance-related incidents and accidents that happen.
Furthermore, the 5G platform will be a primary differentiator for last-mile delivery. It might also become possible for the connected autonomous vehicles to transport different items to their final destinations in a manner that mitigates the risk that may arise from face-to-face contact.
Autonomous Valet
Just like last-mile delivery, developing a contactless experience with 5G technology can also be achieved using an autonomous valet. Owning a cat that can park itself, the driver can avoid the possible contact that the valet service normally needs, while still experiencing the efficiency of not stressfully hunting for a suitable parking spot.
With more individuals owning vehicles in 2020 aiming to maintain control of their health and hygiene, 5G will likely offer them that assurance and flexibility. The 5G network will offer a strong foundation for many autonomous features that make a contactless experience highly possible.
Many believe that an autonomous valet is a critical first step in the process of launching entirely autonomous vehicles since it operates mostly in a controlled environment. While operating within a closed environment, potential liabilities are kept at a minimum while the 5G network simultaneously offers a contactless alternative for a normal use case.
The Parting Shot
5G technology will offer the vehicles of the future many functionalities that are not yet in existence currently. This technology is perceived to be exciting due to its high-level efficiencies coupled with its ability to enhance safety. Safety is paramount in any form of travel.
Capgemini was reported to have launched a 5G Lab-as-a-Service in Fundao, Portugal. In this Lab, various automotive manufacturers can design, prototype, and create new 5G network virtualizations and deployments while operating in a secure testing environment the entire time.
Drivers should find these potentials that 5G will offer beneficial since the technology will enable vehicles to integrate with many facets of people’s daily lives. Hence, the deployment of 5G technology is expected to accelerate in the coming years as many other high impact use cases get discovered.
