A Telia initiative, the NorthStar 5G network is enabling leading enterprises in Sweden to develop and test new differentiated connectivity solutions, particularly for autonomous vehicles and active safety systems. AstaZero (a proving ground) is leveraging 5G network slicing to create customized connectivity for specific applications and customer requirements. Each network slice functions as an independent entity with its own distinct set of resources and performance parameters, such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability. This is crucial for enabling remote operators to have a real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings and respond promptly to unexpected obstacles. AstaZero is positioning itself as a pioneer in implementing 5G network slicing and quality of service (QoS) functions at an automotive proving ground, facilitating cooperation between service providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish a mutual understanding of the end-to-end requirements and network capabilities.
https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-and-papers/mobility-report/articles/northstar-5g-innovation
NorthStar is a 5G innovation program for industrial enterprises, for the development and implementation of digital solutions driving efficiency, safety and sustainability. It has a dedicated, purpose-built mobile network, which is run by Telia alongside its public 5G network.
AstaZero is the world’s first full-scale proving ground, specially designed to support the development of advanced automotive technology and active safety systems. AstaZero is owned by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, with industrial partners including Volvo Group, Volvo Cars, Scania, Qualcomm and APTIV.
Automated vehicles operate within complex systems that require ongoing research and development of system integration, cybersecurity, edge computing, and connectivity solutions. By establishing a collaborative forum for sharing and testing new ideas, AstaZero aims to expedite the global transition toward safe and sustainable automated transportation.
5G network slicing is being utilized to create customized connectivity for specific applications, allowing for independent network slices with distinct resources and performance parameters.
Remote vehicle operation is a key use case being tested, focusing on low latency and high bandwidth requirements for real-time video feeds and control signaling.
AstaZero offers a controlled environment for testing active safety systems, autonomous driving, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The facility leverages a 5G network provided through the NorthStar innovation program, enabling thorough testing of performance and safety in realistic traffic scenarios. These research efforts contribute to advancing the development of next-generation vehicle safety and automation.
AstaZero’s Cutting-Edge Test Facility
AstaZero’s proving ground, a state-of-the-art facility provides access to cutting-edge 5G technologies through the NorthStar innovation program’s 5G network, enabling thorough testing of performance and safety in realistic traffic environments, such as highways, cityscapes, and rural areas. These research efforts will make a significant contribution to advancing the development of next-generation vehicle safety and automation.
Leveraging 5G Network Slicing for Automotive Applications – Customized Connectivity for Specific Needs
AstaZero is leveraging 5G network slicing to create customized connectivity for specific applications and customer requirements. Each network slice functions as an independent entity with its own distinct set of resources, characteristics, and performance parameters, including bandwidth, latency, and reliability. For an automated vehicle, it is essential for the remote operator to have a real-time view of the vehicle’s surroundings to respond promptly to unexpected obstacles. This necessitates a network connection with low latency, while a video feed requires sufficient bandwidth to maintain video resolution, enabling accurate detection and identification of distant objects.
AstaZero’s research emphasizes the importance of facilitating cooperation and dialogue between service providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish a mutual understanding of the end-to-end requirements and network capabilities essential for each specific test. This is crucial for correctly configuring the network slices for each use case. AstaZero demonstrates the practical application of 5G network slicing and quality of service (QoS) functions in various test cases, positioning itself as a pioneer in implementing this functionality at an automotive proving ground.
The NorthStar 5G innovation program and its application at the AstaZero proving ground represent a significant leap forward in the development of autonomous vehicle technology and active safety systems. By leveraging advanced 5G capabilities such as network slicing and differentiated connectivity, this initiative is paving the way for more reliable, secure, and efficient transportation solutions.
The ability to test various scenarios in a controlled environment, while also exploring the transition to public road networks, is crucial for the future deployment of autonomous vehicles. Moreover, the learnings from this project extend far beyond the automotive industry, offering valuable insights into how tailored connectivity can drive innovation across various sectors.
As we move towards an increasingly connected and automated future, collaborations like those fostered by the NorthStar program will be essential. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from industry, academia, and the public sector, we can accelerate the development of technologies that not only enhance transportation but also contribute to building more sustainable and resilient communities.
Conclusion
The work being done at AstaZero with the NorthStar 5G network serves as a powerful example of how cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure can unlock new possibilities in product development, safety testing, and industrial innovation. As 5G and Autom technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications that will shape the future of mobility and beyond.
Featured Image by freepik