Demonstration of self-driving cars, using the 5G mobile network, for the first time in Hungary, at the ZalaZONE test track

Demonstration of self-driving cars, using the 5G mobile network, for the first time in Hungary, at the ZalaZONE test track

Budapest, May 20, 2019 12:00

Demonstration of self-driving cars, using the 5G mobile network, for the first time in Hungary, at the ZalaZONE test track

For the first time in Hungary, Magyar Telekom, T-Systems Hungary, Ericsson Hungary, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), iMar Navigation, and APZ Ltd. showcased autonomous vehicles maneuvering, communicating on the 5G network, in an environment simulating real life conditions. At the official inauguration ceremony of the Zalaegerszeg ZalaZONE proving ground on May 20, the participants could also see the smart parking system of T-Systems Hungary, designed specifically for the test track, suitable for testing self-driving cars as well.

Magyar Telekom launched Hungary's first, standard 5G test station in the downtown of Zalaegerszeg. In addition to the base station in the city center, the company equipped its existing transmission tower at the ZalaZONE test track with 5G capability, with the objective to make the test track suitable for the development and testing of autonomous cars connected to the 5G network, besides traditional ones.

The 5G mobile technology was installed by Ericsson Hungary at the test track, using Telekom's transmission tower, broadband optical connection and power supply on site. The test enviroment was constructed by engineers from Ericsson, Telekom and T-Systems Hungary together. The local 5G network presently operates within the 3.5 GHz frequency range, whose temporary use was authorized by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH). The under 10 ms latency of the 5G network allows self-driving cars to safely communicate, via the central infrastructure, with one-another and with an optional control center, in order to reliably react to traffic situations.

Using the implemented infrastructure, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics demonstrated its special self-driving car testing and simulation environment, developed in a joint effort with ZalaZONE. The so called scenario based testing method (Scenario-in-the-Loop - SciL), developed within the framework of their joint research program, is focused on eliminating the boundaries between virtuality and reality, testing the functionality of autonomous vehicles in complex traffic situations that simulate a real life environment, under safe conditions. During the demo the SMART car, especially designed as part of the SciL testing system, reacted to objects placed within the simulation environment in the virtual space, as well as in the real space, detected autonomously with its sensors - all this using the 5G network. The demonstrated solution is a special one insofar as the car reacts to a pedestrian appearing completely independently, without the intervention of the driver.

The test cars of iMAR Navigations, demonstrated real life traffic situations as part of the recently presented PEGASUS work-flow: the so called Traffic Simulation Vehicle demonstrated overtaking, passing along the smart city area of the ZalaZONE track in fully autonomous mode, also using the 5G based communication system as well as iMAR's highly sophisticated precise positioning system.

The next generation 5G mobile technology provides close to ten times higher data transmission speed, significantly shorter response time, and much better customer experience. Thanks to its capacity, which is substantially more than today, tens of millions of devices can be connected concurrently to the network. This completely novel network concept combines the benefits of fixed and mobile communication. The opportunities it provides are not only related to its speed, but also to the embedded network intelligence and its ability to interwork with other technologies. As a result of this, 5G will bring a number of new solutions in the fields of industry, energetics, agriculture, transport, health-care, education and virtually in all aspects of life. The new technology is expected to be available overall in Europe, within a few years' time.

We are proud that, together with our partners, we can present, under real-life conditions, the role 5G networks play in automotive industrial developments, especially in rolling out the self-driving technology. The ZalaZONE test track, provides a unique and exceptional testing opportunity in Europe for a number of car manufacturers, relying on the 5G network infrastructure implemented by Magyar Telekom along the track - explained Tibor R kasi, CEO of Magyar Telekom, after the demonstration.

The handover of the Zalaegerszeg automotive proving ground is a key event for Hungary, the Hungarian automotive industry, the infocommunication sector and all relevant stakeholders. The developments, completed separately so far - self-driving vehicles, 5G network, infrastructure and network communication - will now continue as part of a joint effort on the test track, generating significant competitive edge for domestic players on both regional and European level. In our world, that is changing at an extraordinary pace, the government, the market- and innovation players involved in research and development, need to step out of their traditional roles and create new forms of cooperation. That is why the ZalaZONE test track sets an example - added Zolt n Kasz s, CEO of T-Systems Hungary, Chairman of the Autonomous Vehicle Cluster of Zala County.

Ericsson Hungary is very proud to have contributed to the first 5G technology based self-driving car demonstration in Hungary, with the company's leading 5G technology. This project is a very good example for the close collaboration of various industries, allowing for efficiently utilizing the benefits and opportunities provided by 5G technolog

LINK:	https://www.telekom.hu/about_us/press_room/press_releases/2019/may_20...
	See more stories from telekom

Most recent headlines