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NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO), and May Mobility, Inc. have successfully demonstrated a breakthrough in autonomous driving technology. By leveraging network slicing and 5G Wide technologies within a 5G Standalone (5G SA) network, the companies achieved stable, high-quality communication critical for Level 4 autonomous driving. Conducted in Nagoya, Japan, the demonstration showcased reliable video transmission and consistent communication speeds, addressing challenges in crowded urban environments. This advancement paves the way for safer and more efficient autonomous driving systems.
Key Highlights:
- Stable Video Transmission: Network slicing ensured high-resolution video feeds from in-vehicle cameras to a Tokyo monitoring center, vital for real-time remote monitoring.
- Consistent Uplink Throughput: The combination of network slicing and 5G Wide maintained stable communication across 96% of the route, compared to 73% with conventional methods.
- Crowded Area Performance: The technology overcame communication instability in busy urban settings, such as Nagoya’s city center.
- Collaborative Effort: NTT Com developed the transmission system, DOCOMO built the network infrastructure, and May Mobility operated the autonomous vehicle.
- Future Applications: The companies aim to expand docomo business Private 5G offerings, tailoring solutions for various industries.
The demonstration took place on a route between Nagoya Station and Tsuruma Park, part of Aichi Prefecture’s 2024 autonomous driving project. Network slicing virtually partitions the 5G network to prioritize specific data, ensuring stable video and location data transmission. Meanwhile, 5G Wide prioritizes packet allocation, maintaining performance during peak hours. This synergy suppressed fluctuations in uplink throughput, enabling clear monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings, even in congested areas.
Looking ahead, NTT Com and DOCOMO plan to collaborate with May Mobility to refine this technology for broader autonomous driving applications. By enhancing 5G SA network slicing, they aim to deliver customized network solutions, addressing social challenges and creating new value for 5G customers and partners. This milestone marks a significant step toward realizing Level 4 autonomous driving in Japan and beyond.
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